Charles Neil Gross

Charles Neil Gross, age 90, of Tecumseh, passed away at the home of son, William Gross, under the care of Elara Caring In-Home Hospice on November 28, 2021. Chuck was the son of Charles E. Gross and Clara Schaible Gross of Saline, Mich. His surviving family members include Mary “Sue” Gross, loving wife of 63 years, sons Kevin (Joyce) Gross, William (Amber) Gross and one grandson, Taylor Gross. Chuck was preceeded in death by his parents and his daughter, Patricia Sue “Patty” Gross.

Chuck was a graduate of Saline High School’s Class of 1949, and a graduate of Eastern Michigan University holding both a bachelors and masters degree. Chuck was an all-conference offensive lineman in college and participated in one college all-star game in Chicago. Chuck proudly served his country in the United States Army from April 1954 thru January 1956 in both the 5th Army out of Chicago and then the 7th Army and 6th Armored Calvary while stationed in Germany. Upon entry into the Army at Ft. Benning, the Army wanted him to play football on the base team while studying electronics in basic training.  

Shortly after returning state side and working on his masters he accepted a job at Tecumseh High School where he spent 39 years teaching industrial education, electronics, and drafting along with being director of driver’s education.

Chuck was an avid sports fan, as his first date with his wife Sue was at the state high school basketball championships in Lansing, Mich. Chuck officiated both basketball and football for over two decades before retiring to spend more time with his children. He loved attending games in Michigan Stadium where he had season football tickets for more than 45 years and served as a stadium usher for 31 seasons.

Family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 4-7 p.m. at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 210 W. Pottawatamie St. Tecumseh, Mich., and also on Friday, Dec. 3, from 10-11 a.m. at the Clinton United Church of Christ, 300 Tecumseh Rd, Clinton, Mich.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 3, at the Clinton United Church of Christ, Clinton, Mich. with Pastor Diane White, officiating. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery, Tecumseh, with military honors performed by the Tecumseh VFW and American Legion. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Elara Caring Hospice and to the Clinton United Church of Christ.