Amander Gross

Amander V. "A.V." Gross, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, July 31, 2010, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born May 12, 1928, in Illmo to Jesse and Mary Poorman Gross. He and Patricia Bertrand were married Dec. 28, 1948, at Fornfelt, Mo.

He graduated from Illmo High School in 1945 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where he served during the Korean conflict.

A.V. was a life member of VFW Post 3838 and a member of Eagles Aerie 3775 in Cape Girardeau. He was also a member of American Legion Post 158 in Jackson. A.V. was employed at Missouri Utilities in Cape Girardeau and moved to Belleville, Ill., where he retired as a foreman for Illinois Power Co. after 38 years.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Patricia Gross of Cape Girardeau; three sons, Keith (Denise) Gross of Columbia, Ill., Kevin (Mary) Gross of Jackson, Kent (Dana) Gross of West Frankfort, Ill.; a sister, Peggy Hitt of Cape Girardeau; three grandsons, Brett Gross of Columbia, Ill., Scott (Laura) Gross of Waterloo, Ill., Alex Gross of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Kizito Wenani officiating.

Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau, with full military honors by the Missouri Honors Team and VFW Post 3838.

Memorial contributions may be given to Cape Senior Center or VFW 3838 building fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.