William Pershing Gross

William P. Gross, Leawood, Kansas, was born to Bland and Phoebe Gross on August 28, 1923 in Long Beach, California and departed this life on August 31, 2011. Bill’s family moved from Long Beach to Kansas City in 1930 where his father assumed responsibility for the family business, Gross Auction, Co. The Gross Auction Company was originated in La Plata, Missouri in 1896 by Bill’s grandfather and continued in operation until 1968. Bill was married to Lowell LaVerne Gross on the 9th day of July, 1966. Bill attended Southwest High School and Wentworth Military Academy where he graduated in 1941. When Bill’s father died, he took over the family business, Gross Auction, Co. Bill and LaVerne opened the first Toyota dealership in the State of Kansas in Merriam in 1967. Bill was an avid sportsman and enjoyed a lifetime of flying, fishing, hunting, and target shooting. He won many trophies for his shooting ability and spent many happy hours at Millcreek Rifle Club, Powder Creek Gun Club and Vero Beach Trap and Skeet Club. He was especially fond of his hunting dogs and started the first Weimaraner Club in Kansas City. Bill was a long time member of Millcreek Rifle Club and a Patron member of National Rifle Association. During the Kansas winters, Bill and his wife LaVerne enjoyed the warm Florida sunshine. Contributions may be made to Chain of Hope, c/o Kate Quigley, 2708 Tracy, Kansas City, Missouri 64109. Condolences may be made at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.