William B. Ross, Sr

Ross, William B. Sr., 77 of Cherry Tree, died July 24, 2003 at James E. Van Zandt Medical Center, Altoona. Born March 24, 1926, in Cherry Tree, son of Charles Oliver and Thelma Elaine (Shankle) Ross. Preceded in death by parents, sisters Ruth Shankle, Esther Geist, and Irma Sinclair. Survived by wife of 49 years, former Doris Toote, and children, William B. Jr. married to Lisa (Lorrigan), Janet E. married to Robert Leslie, and Edward, all of Cherry Tree. Also survived by grandchildren Emily and Olivia Ross. Brother of, Raymond and Arnold Ross, and Betty McCullough. He served his country with distinction during WWII as a member of the 20th U.S. Army Air Force. He was assigned to the Squadron command plane piloted by General Curtis LeMay. He flew more than 30 missions over Japan and also served in Korean war. Former car salesman for 25 years at several dealerships, former manager of Western Auto of Barnesboro, and owned and operated Ross Hardware in Northern Cambria. An avid hunter, he enjoyed the outdoors and living in the country and loved spending time with his 2 granddaughters. Friends received from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Long-Contres Funeral Home, Inc., Cherry Tree, where funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Rev. Daniel Little. Interment Citizen's Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Assoc., 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086. A tree will be presented to the family in living memory of Mr. Ross by the funeral home.

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