Obituary of Willis Jean Ross

Willis Jean Ross, age 97, of Moran, Kansas, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2019, at Windsor Place in Iola.

Willis was one of three children born to William Joseph and Nola Maude (Craig) Ross.  He was born on January 13, 1921 at Bayard, Kansas.  Willis graduated from LaHarpe High School in 1939.  He was drafted in 1942 and entered the Army Air Corps, 302nd Squadron, at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho.  He was stationed in Buzz Bomb Alley, England and later in the Normandy region of France in 1944, ending up in Germany before his discharge in 1945.

Willis married Pauline Mae Gerdsen on February 25, 1951 at the Jeddo United Brethern Church.  They were married 49 years before she died in 2000.  They had one son, Craig Allen Ross, who preceded them in death in 1995.  Willis later married Jessie Jeffries.

Willis farmed and served as the postmaster in LaHarpe for over 22 years before he retired in 1986.  He was active in the Moran American Legion and the LaHarpe VFW, serving over 25 years as the Quartermaster.  He attended the Mid-Point Baptist Church, Moran, the National Association of Postmasters of United States, and the American Association of Retired Persons.  He had lifetime memberships in Moran American Legion Post #385, LaHarpe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6324, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.   

Willis was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; his parents; step-father, Ross Lamb; son, Craig Ross; daughter-in-law, Sandy Hinkle; sister, Donis Colwell; brother, Darrell Ross; sister-in-law Betty Ross; and step-grandson Dean Sears.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, January 10, 2019 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, Kansas 66749.  Burial with military graveside honors will follow in the Moran Cemetery, Moran, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Moran American Legion Post #385 or LaHarpe VFW Post #6324 or to Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation (ACARF).  Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.