BOURBON - Richard L. Gross, 85, of 614 Nancy St., Warsaw, and formerly of Mentone, died unexpectedly of natural causes June 9, 2008, in his residence.
He was born Oct. 5, 1922, in Pierceton, to Howard G. and Ocie Romine Gross. On Aug. 7, 1949, he married Rebecca Caroline Ellen Gerard, who died Nov. 7, 1991.
He was a resident of the Kosciusko County area, living in both Mentone and Warsaw. He worked in the automobile repairs service as a mechanic, body shop and wrecker service. He was a member of Bourbon First United Methodist Church; American Legion, both Bourbon Post 424 and Warsaw Post 49; 40&8 of the Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years; Scottish Rites, Fort Wayne; and Moose Lodge, Plymouth. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during World War II in the South Pacific Theatre.
Surviving are his children: Jessica (and spouse Jerry) Neff, New Paris; Araminta (and spouse Terry) Holderman, Winona Lake; Michael (and spouse Lynn) Gross, Warsaw; and Jerry (and spouse Jill) Gross, Mentone. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Patricia Gross, Warsaw. He was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine Elnor, and two brothers, Howard Jr. and Loren Dean.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Bourbon First United Methodist Church with the Revs. Ronald Bowman and Mark Day officiating. Burial will be in Bremen Cemetery with a military graveside service.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon.
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Memorials to Bourbon First United Methodist Church of Christ.
