Howard Earl Gross

Howard Earl Gross, 80, of Mineral City, died in his home after an extended illness on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

Born December 28, 1935, he was the son of the late James R. and Jenny M. (Westbrook) Gross, Sr.

On August 18, 1954, Howard married his lifelong companion and friend, the former Lacella G. Dunn in McGoffin County, Kentucky. Together they had two children, Annette (Bruce) Levengood of Dover and Larry (Tammy) Gross of Mineral City.

Howard enjoyed working with his hands and staying active. He was a 49-year member of the Iron Workers Local 550, having retired in 1993. He also greatly loved his grandchildren and creating memories for them. He was a supporter of the Lake Drive Fellowship Church of New Cumberland and also had a passion for birds, whether feeding, watching, or caring for them.

He was a devoted grandfather to Nathan Levengood, Tyler (Kaylan) Levengood, Amber (Brian) Levengood Williams, the late Larry Todd “TJ” Gross, and Tara (Jordan) Gross Swihart; a great-grandfather to Lexi Grace Swihart; a brother to Helen Watson; a brother-in-law to Lenora Gross, Karen Dunn, Arna Dunn, Michael Dunn, Frankie Robinson, and Mary Ann Wiltshire; and an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his grandson, Larry Todd “TJ” Gross, and his father and mother-in-law, Arnell and Bessie Dunn, whom he loved as his own parents. Additionally, he was preceded in passing by his brothers, Jim and Charles Gross; brothers-in-law, Paul Dunn, Arthur Watson, and Richard Robinson; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Gross and Debbie Dunn.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center in Dover on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. A service celebrating Howard’s life will be co-officiated by his son, Pastor Larry Gross, his son-in-law, Elder Bruce Levengood, and Pastor Larry Stitt, on Monday in the funeral home beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will immediately follow in New Cumberland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Howard’s memory may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.