Gross Raul “Blackie” Bumpers left us to be with his Savior, Jesus and love of his life Barbara, on November 1, 2026, at the age of 96. Gross was born in Houston, Texas, on October 7, 1930 to Gross Fleming and Herlinda Bumpers.
He graduated from Jeff Davis High School in 1949. He was offered an Appointment to United States Military Academy at West Point but turned it down so he could get married to the love of his life, Barbara.
He served his country in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.
He followed his Uncle Abe Bumpers to work in the Eastern States Chemical Refinery later known as Phibro Houston Refinery and retired from there many years later.
Gross and Barbara Bumpers celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this year. He enjoyed traveling around the United States with Barbara in their RV, family camping trips, and family picnics. His CB name was “Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers” and hers was “Green-Eyes”.
He is survived by his daughter Cynthia Yvonne Bumpers Jannasch Sword, grandchildren Jason Jannasch, Kimberly Jannasch Chrane & spouse Chris Chrane, and William Jannasch & Leticia Spongen and their father Mike Jannasch. Sister-in law Joan Charlotte Girsh, nephews Jeremy Shawn Davis, Rick Meraz & spouse Beverly Meraz, & niece Kathy Meraz McElyea & spouse Dale McElyea, nephews Billy, Derek, Steven McElyea, Ricky Meraz & Michael Hykkonen and nieces Stacy Meraz Hunt, Kimberly Meraz Sharp, Kelly Meraz Neilson, Ashley Meraz Schatt. And cousin Jacqueline Bumpers Nobani As well as many great nieces, great nephews, and loving friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving Wife of 75 years Barbara Yvonne Pratorius Bumpers, their son Michael Gross Bumpers & their twin sons, his parents Gross Fleming and Herlinda Valdez Bumpers, his sisters Mary Evelyn Sanchez Meraz and Evangeline Sanchez, his In-laws Fred James Sr. & Novella Kelley Pratorius and brother-in-law Fred James Patorius Jr. And all of Barbara’s and his Fur-Babies they had during their lifetime together.
