Otis "Joe" Ross

Born in St. Joseph, MO on April 20, 1934, he was the only son of Otis Kye Ross and Lois Thompson Ross who preceded him in death. He was lovingly referred to as “Baby Otty” by his doting Aunt Hazel and Uncle Bill. While growing up, you could often find him helping his dad pump gas at his gas station or getting a free meal from his mom down at the diner where she worked.

Joe was always an athlete. He was close to being drafted by a major league baseball team when he was only 17, but circumstances were against him and he joined military service instead. He pitched a lot of ball games as an adult. He proudly served his country in the Air Force from July 7, 1952, until December 1972 and was stationed overseas for many years. He was fond of telling folks he got out of the Air Force on a Friday, only took the weekend off and started his job with the Texas Air Control Board on Monday. He faithfully worked for the state until his retirement in 1993.

Joe married the prettiest girl he met at the swimming pool in Belton, TX. He married Tadge Washburn on Nov. 2, 1956, and they stayed married for 55 years. They were blessed with two sons, Jon Ross and wife Sherry and Patrick Ross. Joe was also blessed to become a grandfather to Bekah and Micah Ross and Elijah Ross, who was only here for a short time. Later in life he wholeheartedly welcomed more grandkids, Victoria Hightower and her husband Chris, and U.S. Army Pvt. Lyle Stang.

Joe was faithful to Jesus Christ for many years. He knew Jesus all his life, but only in his later years did he come to realize Jesus as his Savior. He was an avid member of the Great Hills Baptist Church Choir and often went on mission trips with the church.

Joe fought a courageous battle against Cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Emphysema. In the end he beat them, and as you all know Joe, he fought the good fight and never let his spirit fade. He will be missed…..most especially by Tadge, Jon, Patrick and the grandkids, but by many of you whose lives he touched along the way in his 78 years. He was our icon…our hero.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at First Baptist Church in Pflugerville, with funeral services beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Hospice Austin.

To share memories of Joe with his family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com