Robert E. "Bob" Cross

Robert E. “Bob” Cross, 94, of Metamora, Illinois, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at his home.

Born on December 17, 1931, in San Jose, Illinois, Bob was the son of Lyle M. Cross and Mary McCullough Cross. He married the love of his life, Helen L. Hatton, on September 15, 1953, in Havana, Illinois. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2019.

A lifelong learner, Bob earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois in 1954 and his dental degree from the University of Illinois in 1957. He first operated a private dental practice before being drafted into military service. He proudly served in the Army, including three years stationed in France during the 1960s, reaching the rank of Major. After his service, he taught dental hygiene at Parkland College from the late 1960s through 1974 and also taught at Illinois Central College from the 70s through mid-90s.

An extroverted and dedicated dentist, Bob became Director of Dental Services for the Peoria City/County Health Department in 1974. Under his leadership, he dramatically expanded access to dental care, increasing the number of patients served from about 400 to 12,000. He focused on assisting underserved populations—including children from low-income and public aid families, refugees, residents of the county jail, P.A.R.C., Bellwood Nursing Home, Zeller Mental Health Center, and many other agencies. Bob was known for bridging gaps in care for those unable to afford dental services. To this end, he noted the limited diversity in early patient demographics, driving change to ensure broader access. He also continued elements of private practice alongside his public-health work.

Bob volunteered for many years with Miles of Smiles and was one of the first dentists nationally to treat patients with AIDS, showcasing his compassionate outreach and pioneering spirit. For many years, he volunteered with Reclaimed in Metamora. He was honored by the Peoria District Dental Society for his outstanding achievements in public health dentistry, and a scholarship in his name was established at Illinois Central College’s Dental Hygiene program to support deserving students. Bob’s warm spirit and outgoing nature allowed him to touch the lives of more than 100,000 area residents through his work, always striving to leave people with a brighter smile—both literally and figuratively.

He and Helen lived in several communities in Illinois over the years, including Chicago, Mason City, and Tuscola. For the last 51 years, Bob called Metamora home, residing in the same house since 1975.

Bob is survived by his younger brother Stan and his family, as well as Bob's children: Lisbeth Leigh Lewis (Tom), John Todd Cross (Marilyn), Scott Cross, and Stephen Cross (Jeanne); his grandchildren: Robyn Brown (Jordan), Megan Mansell (Patrick), Alex Cross, Noah Cross, Gwyneth Cross, and Joseph Cross, as well as Bob's four great-grandchildren.

While a dog person early in life, in his later years, Bob developed a profound love for cats, owning two and faithfully caring for and feeding more than six stray cats, finding joy and companionship in their company.

Bob will be remembered as an extroverted and generous man whose career and life were defined by service, leadership, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others through better oral health and warm human connection.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by the family. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to a local animal shelter or to Reclaimed in Metamora.

DONATIONS:

Any Local Animal Shelter

Reclaimed Resale, 407 East Mount Vernon Street, Metamora, IL 61548