Charles Edward Ross, Sr., “Chuck”, 80, of Waco, Texas, passed away surrounded by loved ones April 23, 2022 after a prolonged illness.
Visitation: 5 to 7pm, Thursday, April 28 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel
Funeral: 2pm Friday, April 29 Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel
Chuck was born January 3, 1942 to Lloyd and Margret Ross in Portageville, Missouri. As a child he worked with his parents sharecropping cotton in Missouri. Beginning in 1956, he farmed cotton on the Ross Farm, which was homesteaded by Daniel Ross in the 1800’s. After graduating high school in Clarksburg, Tennessee, he took a job with Missouri Pacific Railroad for a short time before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.
After graduation at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, Chuck became a United States Marine, and trained to be an Aircraft Maintenance Administration Clerk. While in the United States Marine Corps, he served in many roles, including assignments as a Marine Security Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay, Maintenance Administration Clerk and Platoon Sergeant while stationed at Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. He then served as Maintenance Administration Chief with VMA -121, VMGR-352, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Orange County, California. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on December 1, 1968.
Upon completing his service in the United States Marine Corps, Chuck completed his Bachelor’s degree at Dallas Baptist College. He then worked for the United States Federal Government until his retirement. He did not know how to retire. For a brief time, he worked as a newspaper reporter for three newspapers, writing columns titled, “Tales of a Cotton Patch Kid.” In 2004, he finally retired in Waco, Texas with his wife Evelyn Ross.
The Marine Corps never left Chuck, and he always held true to the core values of being a Marine. He was a, “Marines Marine,” and was influential in his two sons becoming United States Marines. He was extremely proud of all of his children, and their various accomplishments, and that all of his children graduated college.
Chuck was also passionate about fishing, photography, gardening, becoming a Free Mason, and taking any opportunity to talk about the United States Marine Corps.
Anyone who knew Chuck knew that he was the most loving father and spouse a family could ask for. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margret, his father Lloyd, and his sister Catherine. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Ross; daughter, Brenda Maria Ross; sons, Sergeant USMC Charles Edward Ross, Jr, and Lance Corporal USMC William Daniel Ross, Michael Daniel Foster, George Aubrey Foster, Williams Joseph Foster, Ralph Edmond Foster; grandchildren, Hayden Ross, Hannah Ross, Sutton Ross, Addah Ross, and Jacqueline Ross, as well as his two siblings Master Sergeant ANG Ret. Robert Lee Ross and Master Sergeant USAF Ret. Kenneth Dale Ross.
The family requests that all notes are sent to their home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Semper Fi Fund in the name of Charles E. Ross, Sr.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Evelyn, I was so sorry to hear about Chuck. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family
Chuck loved his family, friends and our country! He was so proud to have served our country! I will always remember him for his patriotism and his love of interesting socks! My condolences, Evelyn, and to all of y’all’s children!
I’m so sorry to hear this. I enjoyed knowing him, even for a brief time! My thought are with the family.
Oh Evelyn!!
I just found out! God bless him, you, and all the family. I loved him…Chuck was such a special person, and I know how much y’all loved each other. I love you, Dear Friend!!! Always here for you, always!!!
Tami Segars Ott
My deepest condolences. Chuck was such a sweet and caring man and I was lucky to have known him.
Mr. Ross was one in a milion. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers for the Ross family.
We love you guys.
-Martindale Family Medicine
Dear Evelyn and all of my “Ross” family,
I’ve seen here that most people called him Chuck, I knew him as Sonny. He was a very kind and warm man. He came to visit us in Portageville many times over the years. I loved his visits, he often had more Ross’s with him. The thing I remember the most about his visits was the laughter throughout the house. There was always lots of laughter. I’m writing this in part for my dad, Jerry, he would want you all to know how much he loved you. He always cherished all the visits. And all of us always enjoyed the stories and the laughter. I’m sure Dad with many others were there to meet Sonny when he entered heaven to show him the best fishing hole. I have you all in my heart and prayers at this sad time.
I love you all
Sincerly
Robin Brasher
Uncle Sonny is how I knew him! As his niece growing up that was who he was! I never could call him Chuck! I loved to hear him tell stories and hear him laugh!!!!
As an adult, our time together was limited but phcalls on occasion and thanks to Facebook, funny messages and comments on my page were frequent!
Till we meet again, at the South Gate!❤️
P.S. Here is another e-mail account.
Evelyn, Bud & I was so sorry to hear of Chucks’ passing. He and bud loved each other very much and were together constantly. Please call me sometimes , as I would love to hear more about his life that even Bud didn’t know. Love you, Evelyn. Take care of your babies as Chuck would want you to. Phone number is : 731 659-2069. Address: 14360 Hwy. 125 South. Bolivar, TN 38008