Paul Franklin "Frank" Ross, 67, of Ames, IA, passed away Sunday, July 23, 2017, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017, at the Gilbert Middle School (201 E Mathews Dr., Gilbert, IA 50105) with a time of fellowship to follow. Frank's ashes will be scattered later in a private family service.
Frank was born on January 10, 1950, in St. Joseph, MO, to Charles "Clayton" and Marie (Hauber) Ross. Frank graduated from Worth County R-I High School, Grant City, MO, in 1968. He continued his education at the University of Missouri, obtaining a B.S. Degree in Chemistry in 1972. In 1987, he completed his Master's Degree in Food Technology. He married his wife Karen (Hardy) on July 29, 1972, in Grant City, MO. The couple was blessed with three sons.
Frank worked as an Analytical Veterinary Toxicologist for the ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 1973 to 1977. From 1977 to 2007 he was Supervisory Chemist for the Chemistry and Analytical Services Section at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, IA. During his career at NVSL, Frank was instrumental in the development and management of a nationally respected chemistry-toxicology service laboratory. He published numerous scientific articles and was a cofounder of the Midwest Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). He received the Harvey W. Wiley Award in 1992 in recognition of his significant contribution to the field of Analytical Veterinary Toxicology. In addition, he served on the board of directors of the AOAC International for several years, including serving as president from 1995-96.
A member of the Gilbert Lions Club since 1975, Frank worked in various club roles to help others, including as president. In 1987, he served as District 9 X 7 Governor for Lions International.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Frank worked with the Gilbert Athletic Boosters Club, helping with basketball and wrestling tournaments and other sports concessions to raise funds for Gilbert's athletic programs. In 1997, he received the Gilbert High School Friend of Athletics Award.
As his young sons were growing up, Frank coached their teams in a variety of sports, including baseball and soccer. From 1998 to 2010, he coached the Gilbert High School Boys' Soccer Team, first as an assistant coach and later as the head coach. He was known as "Coach Knarf" by many of his players.
Since 2006, Frank served as president of the board of directors of the Worth County Education Foundation, benefiting the students of his alma mater.
An avid sports fan, Frank enjoyed cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, ISU Cyclones, Missouri Tigers, and Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats.
He will be remembered by those who knew him for his leadership, involvement in the community, and impact on young athletes.
Survivors include his wife, Karen; sons, Zachary (Lisa) Ross of Green Isle, MN; Jacob (Jessica) Ross of Nevada, IA; and Brandon (Kim) Ross of Brownsburg, IN; grandchildren Matthew and Lauryn Ross of Brownsburg, IN; siblings, Charles (Diana) Ross of Liberty, MO and Clella (James) Goodwin of Denver, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his father in 1991 and his mother in 2008.
Memorial contributions may be made in Frank's name to the Gilbert Athletic Boosters Club or the Worth County Education Foundation.
Online condolences and memories can be shared on Frank's page at www.stevensmemorialchapel.com
No comments:
Post a Comment