Charles Ross

Charles Frederick Ross, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away on October 17, 2023 at home with his wife at his side.

Charles was born on March 6, 1946, at Memorial Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas, to Charles Clayton Ross and Marie Hauber Ross. He was raised on the family farm in Worth County, Missouri, southeast of Allendale, Missouri.

He graduated from Worth County R-1 High School in Grant City, Missouri, in 1964, with interests in Vocational Agriculture, Mathematics, and football. Charles went on to study Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Technical Writing at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly the University of Missouri - Rolla).

Charles began his professional career as a Computer Systems Programmer at Bendix Kansas City Division from 1968 to 1979. On March 30, 1969, he married Mary Diana Estes while both were members of the Church of Christ at Claycomo, Missouri. They moved membership to the Excelsior Springs, Missouri Church of Christ in 1972 and made their home on 80 acres in Ray County, Missouri, where all three children, Hugh, Lana, and Neal, were born.

In 1979, he resigned from Bendix to work as an Evangelist for the Church of Christ and moved to Joplin, Missouri, where he also had a day job at Cardinal Scale Mfg. in Webb City, Missouri, implementing microcomputer system software. 

In 1984, Charles returned to Bendix/Allied-Signal/Honeywell Federal Manufacturing and Technology, participating in project and system administration of large-scale engineering support, computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing systems and networks until his retirement in 2005.

After retirement, he continued his work as an Evangelist by traveling to encourage congregations in Northwest Missouri, including Gallatin, Old Scotland, and Worth. He also made nine trips to the Philippines to teach and encourage brethren in the Apostle’s doctrine, fellowship, and mutual edification.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul Franklin Ross. He is survived by his wife, Mary Diana Ross, son Hugh Ross of Denver, Missouri, daughter Lana (Randy) Sullins of Plattsburg, Missouri, son Neal (Sara) Ross of Kansas City, Missouri, his sister, Clella (Jim) Goodwin, Sisters-in-Law Karen Ross and Karen Springer, his beloved grandchildren Clayton Ross, Kristen (James) Beltz, Alex Ross, and Faye Ross, along with many nieces and nephews

Charles’s dedication to his faith, family, and community will be remembered by all who knew him. He leaves a lasting legacy of love and service that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Church of Christ, 505 Elms Blvd, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. 10:00 a.m. visitation; 11:00 a.m. Service followed by an internment at Muddy Fork Cemetery in Holt, Missouri.