Donald Gene Ross

Donald Gene Ross, a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and a long time resident of Claremore, passed from this life on November 2, 2010. A memorial service is being held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Christ United Methodist Church, 401 South Davis, Claremore, OK.

Don was born June 23, 1940 in Claremore. He was the third of eight children born to Leonard and Mary (Bean) Ross. Don graduated from Chilocco Indian High School in 1958. He continued his education at the Oklahoma School of Accounting and at a company Transportation Management School in Kansas City, MO. After working several years in the transportation management field for other companies, he started his own company, International Trucking, Inc. He owned and operated that business for 30 years until a disabling stroke in 1996.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Mary Ross; sister, Jennette Ross; and brother, Lloyd Ross. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; daughter, Ashley Nelson and husband, Michael; son, Brad Ross and wife, Tracy. Along with grandchildren: Nick and Natalie Nelson; Kaitlin, Cassie, and Lauren Ross all of Rockwall, TX.

Sibling survivors are: Leonard Ross and wife, Daisy of Henderson, NV; Andy Ross of Greenwood, AR; sisters Carol McFarlin and husband Tom, Martha McLain, and Vicki Mason all of Claremore. Sister-in-law, Ella Ross of Madill, OK and sister-in-law Carole Davison and husband Leon of McAlister plus a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Regardless of the situation; ---happy, good, difficult, or challenging; Don was a man with a great sense of humor and a pleasure to be around, he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.