Tyler Cross

Tyler James Cross, the son of Terry Dean and Joan Paula (Jordan) Cross, was born August 28, 1997, in Creston, IA. Tyler entered eternal rest on July 13, 2015 at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, IA. at the age of 17 years, 10 months, 15 days.
Tyler graduated from Southwest Valley Schools on April 3, 2015. Tyler was born with a rare skin disease called “recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa”, also known as “butterfly children”, which made Tyler’s skin as fragile as butterfly wings. Tyler went to Washington D.C. in September 2010 to talk to Congress about skin disease research.
Tyler was member of numerous organizations during his life. He belonged to the Corning United Methodist Church and was baptized at Blank Children’s Hospital on Easter Sunday, 2015. Tyler was a huge fan of Public Safety organizations. He was an Honorary Chief of the Urbandale Fire Dept., an Honorary Police Officer of the Windsor Heights Police Dept., and an honorary member of the Adams County Sheriff’s Dept. Tyler was friends with and had received badges from the FBI. He also received hundreds of patches, badges, and challenge coins from various Law Enforcement agencies, Fire Depts., and Military personnel.
Left to cherish Tyler’s memory are his parents; Terry and Joan Cross, Corning, IA; sisters: Vanessa (Adam) Krause, Prescott, IA (and children Dakota and Mallory); Hannah Cross and friend Jonathan Locke, Corning, IA.; brothers: Matthew Cross & fiancé Kelsi Vannausdle, Corning, IA.; Jacob Cross and fiancé Cheyenne Thomas, Red Oak, IA.; and Joshua Cross and friend Devon Chapman (and daughter Olivia), Creston, IA.; maternal grandmother Joan Jordan, Concord, CA.; his three very best friends: Allan Knudson, Des Moines, IA., Mackenzie Betz, Grimes, IA., and Jeff Walton of Corning. Tyler is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and a multitude of other friends.
Preceding Tyler in death were his brother; Justin in 2007 from the same disease; maternal grandfather Jerry Jordan; and paternal grandparents; Miles and Marilyn Cross.
Tyler touched many lives in his 17 years with his courage and attitude, and he will continue to be an inspiration to those who knew and loved him. He had two quotes which were his favorites. They were “Live Life to the Fullest”, and “Change the World”. Tyler certainly lived out these quotes through his daily courage and inspiration and he challenges everyone who knew him to do the same.