Joseph D. Ross

Joseph D. Ross, 91, of Van Wert, died at 2:50 p.m. Friday, February 17, 2012, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born August 5, 1920, in Mercer County, the son of the late Charles Lewis and Edith (Tingley) Ross.

He first married Eloise (Waltz) Ross, who preceded him in death on June 24, 1974. On June 29, 1976, he married Margaret E. “Peggy” Zeigler Ross, who also preceded him in death, on November 5, 2001.

Mr. Ross was owner of Joe Ross Pipeline Construction Company from 1963 until 1982. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Mississippi and other ships. He was formerly a member of Elks Lodge 1197 in Van Wert, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, American Legion Post 178, Willow Bend Country Club and he was a freemason. He belonged to First United Methodist Church in Van Wert.

Survivors include two children, Steven Walter (Dayle) Ross of Celina and Gina Ross (Kevin) Garabedian of Woodland Hills, Calif.; two stepchildren, William Meredith (Joanie) Zeigler and Jeffrey Stewart (Mary) Zeigler, both of Columbus; seven grandchildren, Steven Enrique Ross, Daniel Nathen Ross, Thomas Lee Ross, Timothy M. Zeigler, Tiffany Amos, Ali Holroyde and Meredith Zeigler; and several stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A son, Eric Jay Ross; and one brother, Paul Tingley Ross, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 23, at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, with the Rev. Gus Christo-Baker officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert, with graveside military rites performed by the combined honors units of VFW Post 5803 and Legion Post 178.

Calling hours are from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert and an hour prior to services Thursday at the church.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, c/o Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.alspachgearhart.com.