The Rev. David Randall “The Cross Guy” Middleton, 76, of Hillsboro died May 14, 2026, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis. Mr. Middleton served as lead pastor for several churches before founding his ministry, Nation Without the Cross is Lost. He was known for his faith, dedication to preaching the Gospel and carrying his cross through the community. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, where he was an assistant chaplain. He was instrumental in establishing Impact with a Backpack, a program that provided school supplies to youth throughout Jefferson County. He loved singing and playing his guitar. Born Dec. 4, 1949, in Park Hills, he was the son of the late Alberta Opal (Briley) and Lemion Samuel Middleton.
He is survived by his wife of more than 55 years: Sandra Jane Middleton of Hillsboro; three sons: David Samuel (Amanda) Middleton of Noblesville, Ind., Joshua Caleb Middleton of Imperial and Timothy Randall Middleton of Hillsboro; a sister: Faye (the late Jim) Stahlschmidt of High Ridge; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a son: Jeremy Scot Middleton; three brothers: Stanley Leroy Middleton, Carlos Ray Middleton and Lemion Merlin Middleton; two sisters: Deborah Marler and Tonya Blackwell; and a great-granddaughter: Genesis Middleton.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until services at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Mahn Funeral Home, 900 N. Main, in De Soto, officiated by the Rev. Timothy Middleton. Burial will follow in Glade Chapel Cemetery in Hillsboro. Memorials may be made to National Without the Cross is Lost, P.O. Box 111, Hillsboro, 63050. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.