Graveside service: 1 p.m. Friday in Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation: 10 a.m. to noon Friday at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel.
Gary was born on May 18, 1951 in Gulfport, Mississippi to William Joseph and Betty Joye Thorne Ross. Being a part of an Air Force family, Gary traveled and lived throughout the United States and England in his youth before the family settled in Osage City, Kansas when he was in the second grade. He graduated from Osage City High School in 1969. That same year, he married Vicki Keller, his classmate through elementary, junior high, and high school.
In 1974, Gary and his family moved to Houston, Texas where began a long and successful career in the paint business. He bought his own paint store in 1981, started manufacturing his own brand of paint and later became a painting contractor in Arlington, Texas before retiring.
Gary’s three passions in life were Jesus Christ, his family and fishing! He loved studying the Word of God and sharing the Bible with anyone who gave him the chance. He taught his children and grandchildren about Jesus from the time they were tiny. Their best discussions were in the middle of fishing and camping or just spur of the moment times.
Watching his kids and grandkids catch fish was such a joy to Gary. He laughed when they each caught a “big one” or the “Elmo fish” as Brooke and Lessie used to say.
Fishing with his brother was definitely one of the highlights of his life. They fished all across the country any chance they got and loved having that time alone together. Rarely did they go anywhere where they weren’t asked, “Are you twins?” Gary’s relationships with all of his siblings were just as strong, too. They cared for one another all of their lives and when one hurt, they all did.
Trips back “home” to Kansas were a must for Gary. It was important to him that his children and grandchildren know where he was raised and why this Kansas countryside was a huge part of who he was.
Gary adored his wife, children, and grandchildren. He trained his children well and was so happy to see them develop into hard-working, loving parents and was thrilled with each new child that came along afterward! He was even able to hold his new great granddaughter recently.
To say goodbye won’t be easy. We were loved by a great Man, Husband, Dad, Papa, Great Papa, Brother, Uncle and Friend. We can all cling to one another and remember what he taught us—first and foremost—Jesus!
Gary is preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Kerri Ann Ross and he is survived by his wife, Vicki Ross; children, Kelli Collins, Adam and Christina Ross, Cyndee Ross and fiancé, Steven Stokes; grandchildren, Brooke Ross and fiancé Noah Snow, Celeste Castanon, Davin Ross, Bella Joye Castanon; great grandchild, Logan Nicole Snow; siblings, Terry Ross and children, Terri Ann and Jim Van Iten and children, Bailey and Jack; John and Audrey Ross and children, Gabrielle, Karah, Maelee Ann; Brandi and Jon Lockwood and children, Anastasia, Heaven, Landon, Zach and Laura Ross; and Loren Ross and son Mylam; Adele and Ron Vine and children, Alaina and Andrew Chapman; Laurel and Vincent Vine; Jan Ryan; Paul and Martha Ross and children, James, Alberto and Austin Ross; Uncle, Alton and Dee Thorne and children, Kenneth, Kevin, Keith, and Kristin; Mother In Law, Mary Keller; Brothers in Law, Jak and Sally Keller and children, Amie Randall, Doris Lam and Donald and Daniella Lam and Jonathan; brother-in-law Jim Shepherd and children, Chelsee, Bree, Michael & David; Special Sister and Brother in Law, Linda and Deanne Woodyard; and special 2nd cousin, Shannon Edwards.
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