Halferd A. Ross
May 22, 2010
Halferd A. Ross, 91, died May 22, 2010 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born November 26, 1918 in Decatur County, Iowa to Andrew and Lou Ross. In addition to his parents and four siblings, he was preceded in death by three wives, Wanda Weist Ross, Ruth Brooks Ross and Doris Fairbanks Ross.
Hal was a veteran of World War II and served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific. He was employed by the Chicago-Rock Island Railroad where he worked as a Conductor and Brakeman for 36 years, retiring in 1978 at the age of 60. He was a 50+ year member of the East Gate Masonic Lodge #630, Des Moines, Iowa, United Transportation Union, V.F.W., and former Commander of the American Legion Post 220 in Branson, Missouri.
In 1990, Hal and Doris were married and moved to Nixa, Missouri where they developed many lasting friendships. He leaves behind one son, Randy Ross (Nancy A. Swihart Ross); two grandchildren, Leslie D. Ross Jurgensen (C. Kent Jurgensen) and Andrew J. Ross (Wendy Livingston Ross); five great-grandchildren, Erik Ross Jurgensen, Nathan Hale Jurgensen, Allison Jordan Ross, Austin John Hal Ross and Abigail Jade Ross, all living in the Des Moines area.
A visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines, on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The funeral service and burial will be held at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, 1638 East Hwy. 76, Branson, Missouri 65616 (417-334-3670), at 11 a.m. on Saturday with visitation one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Veterans’ Flag Fund at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, which was started by Hal in the 1980’s, would be appreciated.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
John and Arlene Fairbanks
05/25/2010
We are saddened to hear of Hals passing he was a great man. He brought alot of joy to my grandmother and all those around him. We enjoyed good time discussing being a soldier and gardening on his patio. We considered him a part of our family and will continue to think about him in that way.
Janie & Larry Fairbanks
05/24/2010
We are sad to know of Hal's passing. We considered him part of our family and a good friend. We shared many good times and stories. His life was interesting and beneficial.
Please accept our sympathy for your loss.