Page 73 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2017- Online Magazine

BRanCH
remembers the long- Army
distance call, “If you “
can start tomorrow, I wouldn’t give
you’ve got the job.” anything for
Leslie loaded up the experience I
his car, moved to
Seminole and started gained.
the next day. His
job included picking “
up the African-
American students in a new bus, driving them well. He hopes the next
to Lamesa and teaching Business to students in both generation will “continue
school districts. He was paid $4800 a year. Three years to make progress in
later, in 1965, he came to Lubbock. Mr. Cross earned education and find places
a Masters in Special Education and taught in Lubbock in life that will enlighten
ISD from 1965-1989. During his long career, Leslie and make life better for
served as assistant principal at O.L. Slaton, supervisor all individuals, no matter
of Special Education in elementary schools and high what race they may be.”
schools, as well as in many other positions. He earned When he reflected back
many hours of graduate school and certifications and on his draft letter, he said,
retired in 1989. Those who know him agree that his “I went in as a boy and grew up to be a man in the
exceptional integrity and brilliant mind were an asset Army. I wouldn’t give anything for the experience I
to LISD and the community of Lubbock as a whole. gained.” Through the good and the bad, Leslie Cross
has made the most of his life, serving his country and
Leslie Cross served his country well and his students serving his community.

Don Jones

Don Jones was born
91 years ago, but his
energy and enthusiasm
are impressive. It’s hard
to catch him between
visits to family and friends across the state
and nation. But if you can, his life stories are
worth hearing. Don and his three brothers all
served in WWII - Don aboard a submarine
stationed at Pearl Harbor. His story is
recorded on pp. 20-21 of the Fall 2015 Senior
Link. As the only black man among 92 sailors
on the USS Ronquil, his perspective is unique
and thought-provoking. All four brothers
returned home safely to Panola County, Texas.
Don earned a Masters in Education and spent
over 50 years in teaching and administration,
mainly at Dunbar and Estacado in Lubbock.

Lubbock Senior Link 73