John E. Gross, 81, of Beavercreek, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2014, at Hospice of Dayton. He was born December 9, 1932, in Lee County, Kentucky, the son of Charles Maxwell and Emma D. Rogers Gross. He was a member of Alpha Baptist Church, and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. He was a member of Xenia Masonic Lodge, #49, Xenia Chapter #36, R.A.M., the Wright Council #96, R & SM, Nathaniel Greene Commandery #81, Knights Templar, and Aldora Chapter #262, O.E.S. He was a former volunteer with the Xenia Township Fire Department. He retired in 1994 from Duriron in Dayton after 44 years of employment. He is survived by his wife, Roxie (Marcum) Gross, whom he married, April 8, 1955, his children, Emma (Mike) Ross, Beavercreek Twp., and Tom (Blanche) Gross, Xenia, four grandchildren, Dr. John (Erin) Ross, Danville, PA, Hanna (Mike) Minges, Springboro, Jeanne (Dan) O'Callaghan, and Max Gross, all of Xenia, five great-grandchildren, Brenna, Ava, Lila, Tessa, and Danny, a sister and brother-in-law, Agnes (Larry) Cretcher, Cherryvale, KS, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Virgil Bob (Lee) Gross, Farmersville, and Delmus Bunt (Emily) Gross, Irvine, KY, by numerous nieces and nephews, and by many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Delbert Gross. John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would especially like to thank the staff of VITAS Hospice, Hospice of Dayton, and Grandview Hospital for their care during this difficult time. Services will be held at 10am, Friday, May 23, at Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 N. Detroit St., Xenia. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm Thursday, at the funeral home with Masonic services at 8pm. Burial will be in Valley View Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH, 45420, or to the Children's Dyslexic Center, Valley of Dayton, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton, OH, 45405, in his memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com.