Charles Richard Ross, 80, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 8:18 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at his residence.

In Hammond, he was born on Dec. 9, 1937 to Charles J. and Mabel Wilkerson Ross. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister and two brothers.

Answering the call of patriotism, he served with the United States Air Force for a two year stint and was honorably discharged in 1959.

He worked for Inland Steel and retired in the 1980s.  As an avid hunter, he was often found in the great outdoors during deer season but also targeted game birds and squirrel. He was a talented wood worker, too.

Cherishing the time with his family, he also enjoyed visiting with his friends. He was a devoted member of the Delong Gospel Lighthouse.

On July 9, 1979, he and Martha Edna Johns were married in Marcum, Ill. They have shared 39 years of life’s adventures.

Mr. Ross will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Martha; a daughter, Marda Ann Ross, Osceola; five sons: Donald Johns and wife Suzanne, Rochester; Charles J. Ross and wife Deborah, Delong; Tony Ross and wife Vicki, Monticello; Mark Ross and wife Denise of Wheatfield; Carty Joe Ross and wife Peggy, Wyoming; 27 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents Charles and Mabel Ross; a sister, Naomi Jane Ross; and two brothers: William in 1973 and Jim in 2018.

A celebration of the life of Charles Richard Ross will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, in the Delong Gospel Lighthouse, 5823 Center St., Delong. Pastor Pat Allen will officiate.

Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. in the church on Monday and one hour prior to the service. Military honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the US Air Force Honors Team. Interment will be in the Leiters Ford Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Delong Gospel Lighthouse, PO Box 650, Delong, IN 46922 or Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 2515 N. Bendix Drive, Suite 103, South Bend, IN 46628.