Everett Melvin "Mel" Ross 1917-1976

ROSS, BYER, LAUGHLIN, BLACK, SNYDER

Posted By: Volunteer - Karen DaPra
Date: 10/20/2001 at 15:21:30

EVERETT MELVIN ROSS

Everett Melvin Ross, son of Guy and Elsie Byer Ross, was born November 25, 1917, at Deep River, Iowa, and departed this life Sunday, April 4, 1976, at Van Buren County Memorial Hospital in Keosauqua at the age of 58.

He graduated from Richland High School in 1937, and on September 28, 1945, was maried to Esther Laughlin in Libertyville. They lived most of their married life in the Douds community. Mel was employed as weighmaster for Douds Stone Inc. until ill health forced his retirement in 1969.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his widow, four sons, John of Blue Springs, Missouri; Harold of Douds; and Russell and Tom at home; three daughters, Shirley of Independence, Missouri, Donna of Douds, and Gail at home, and three grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Mildred Black of Oakdale, California, and Louise Snyder of Rockville, Maryland, and a brother, Allen, of Lenexa, Kansas, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother and a son, Robert, who lost his life in an auto accident September 16, 1975.

Mel was an active member of Starlight Lodge No. 350, Knights of Pythias, having served as Chancellor Commander, and presently serving as Financial Secretary. He was also a member of Douds Temple No. 104, Pythia Sisters, and El Zira Lodge No. 23, D.O.K.K. in Ottumwa. He served a number of years as Scoutmaster of Troop 93, Boy Scouts of America, in Douds, and will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, as good neighbor and friend who did his best in all things even in the face of much adversity.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 7, 1976, at 2 p.m. at Pedrick Funeral Home in Douds, with the Rev. Donald Strauch officiating. Mrs. Keith A. Smith and Mrs. Robert Pedrick were the vocalists, accompanied by Jon Finney. Knights of Pythias served as pallbearers, and conducted fraternal graveside rites. Interment was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery north of Douds. A memorial was established with gifts being left at the funeral home.

(A photocopy of this obit is located in Obit Book 2 (1975-1980) found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in July 1999. Handwritten on the obit is "Record 08 April 1976.")

I am NOT related to Everett Melvin Ross and am posting his obit for those who may find him in their family history.