Obituary for Joseph George Gross
Joseph (Joe) George Gross, aged 83, peacefully departed on May 25, 2024, in Altus, Oklahoma.
Born on December 30, 1940, in Seattle, Washington, Joe's journey was marked by dedication and passion. Raised and educated in the San Francisco Bay Area, he graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1958. Pursuing his academic aspirations, he ventured to UCLA at Berkeley, delving into engineering. Concurrently, he embarked on a professional path at Shell chemical company, showcasing his diligence as a quality control specialist. Joe's meticulousness averted a significant mishap when he intercepted a flawed shipment destined for the military during his tenure there.
Early in life, Joe's affinity for aviation took flight. This fervor steered him towards the United States Air Force, where he commenced navigator training at James Connally Air Force Base in July 1962. Undeterred by challenges, he pursued his dream of becoming a pilot, enrolling in a civilian flight school at Altus Airport. The Air Force also brought him the love of his life, Doris Ann Linne, who he met and married in Altus, Oklahoma on July 8, 1967. Transitioning careers, he earned his wings at Sheppard Air Force Base in 1968, piloting aircraft such as the KC-135, RC-135, and C-140, with the O-2 Skymaster becoming his primary companion in the skies over Vietnam. Joe undertook perilous missions as a forward air controller, embodying courage and valor. Throughout his twenty-year military tenure, he garnered accolades, notably the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars.
Joe was Preceded in death by his parents Sylvia and George Gross, brother, John Gross; and sisters, Ann Gross.
Left to carry on his legacy his wife Doris; son Michael and wife Beverly of Centerton, Arkansas; daughter Michelle Hall and husband James of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter Mary Semyone and husband Joe of Choctaw, Oklahoma and son Matthew and wife Amanda of Riverview, Florida; 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren along with many other family and friends. Joseph George Gross, a man of honor, courage, and unwavering dedication will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Joe can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation - American Cancer Society.
Condolences, a message of comfort or a tribute to the family may be made at Lowell-tims.com
The Rosary will be read from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma.
The Gross family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma.
A Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday May 31, 2024, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Altus, Oklahoma.
A committal service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma with full military honors.
Funeral Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
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Born on December 30, 1940, in Seattle, Washington, Joe's journey was marked by dedication and passion. Raised and educated in the San Francisco Bay Area, he graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1958. Pursuing his academic aspirations, he ventured to UCLA at Berkeley, delving into engineering. Concurrently, he embarked on a professional path at Shell chemical company, showcasing his diligence as a quality control specialist. Joe's meticulousness averted a significant mishap when he intercepted a flawed shipment destined for the military during his tenure there.
Early in life, Joe's affinity for aviation took flight. This fervor steered him towards the United States Air Force, where he commenced navigator training at James Connally Air Force Base in July 1962. Undeterred by challenges, he pursued his dream of becoming a pilot, enrolling in a civilian flight school at Altus Airport. The Air Force also brought him the love of his life, Doris Ann Linne, who he met and married in Altus, Oklahoma on July 8, 1967. Transitioning careers, he earned his wings at Sheppard Air Force Base in 1968, piloting aircraft such as the KC-135, RC-135, and C-140, with the O-2 Skymaster becoming his primary companion in the skies over Vietnam. Joe undertook perilous missions as a forward air controller, embodying courage and valor. Throughout his twenty-year military tenure, he garnered accolades, notably the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars.
Joe was Preceded in death by his parents Sylvia and George Gross, brother, John Gross; and sisters, Ann Gross.
Left to carry on his legacy his wife Doris; son Michael and wife Beverly of Centerton, Arkansas; daughter Michelle Hall and husband James of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter Mary Semyone and husband Joe of Choctaw, Oklahoma and son Matthew and wife Amanda of Riverview, Florida; 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren along with many other family and friends. Joseph George Gross, a man of honor, courage, and unwavering dedication will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Joe can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation - American Cancer Society.
Condolences, a message of comfort or a tribute to the family may be made at Lowell-tims.com
The Rosary will be read from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma.
The Gross family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma.
A Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday May 31, 2024, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Altus, Oklahoma.
A committal service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma with full military honors.
Funeral Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Joseph George Gross, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Funeral
Friday
31
May
10:00 AM
Prince of Peace Catholic Church
1500 Falcon Rd.
Altus, OK 73521
Cemetery Details
Location
Fort Sill National Cemetery
2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd.
Elgin, OK 73551
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