John Gross

John F. Gross has finished his journey and is home with the Lord. For all of you who read this announcement, Dad left this invitation and asked it to be published. Believe in God, trust in his grace and promise and you will join him in your future.

John was born Aug. 9, 1936, to the late John S. and Anna Mae Gross in Ashland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James R. Gross. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a retiree of Armco Steel (AK Steel) after 32 years of service in the hot strip maintenance department. He was a member of Ashland First Church of the Nazarene and may be remembered as a former member of First Church of the Nazarene in Ironton, Ohio. John was a Kentucky colonel.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Carolyn King Gross. Together, they raised three lovely daughters, Robin Lynn Brian, Elizabeth Ann Sidell (Scott) and Leigh Ann Gross-Wilson (Michael); two grandsons, Justin and Aaron Penick; and two granddaughters, Alexandra and Jordan Brian. Also surviving are two sisters, Charlotte Barnett Martin and Anna Margaret Justice (Rudy); a special sister-in-law, Barbie Sue King; a family friend, Merry Peckham; numerous nieces and nephews; a host of friends; and a beloved dog, Lucy.

To celebrate the life of John, a funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2010, at Miller Funeral Home in Ashland by Dr. Steve Ruby. Burial will be in Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens in Ashland.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m today at the funeral home.

Contributions may be sent to Ashland First Church of the Nazarene, East Kentucky Work & Witness Fund, 2201 Bath Ave., Ashland, KYa��41101.