John L. Gross

Lt. Col. John L. Gross, 58, of Troy, Mich., died Thursday, August 9, 2012. John was born August 29, 1953, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, to Marilyn (nee Haggard) and John A. Gross. John graduated from Russellville High School and Lincoln University with a BS in Criminal Justice and a commission of 2nd Lieutenant in Armor Division of the U.S. Army. He earned a master's degree in business administration while stationed in Ft. McClelland, Alabama. John retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years of service. His last assignment with the Army was as a Program Director for M1A1, Abrams tank. After retiring, John began G2 Defense Consulting Inc. and began consulting for military ground vehicles. He is survived by his loving wife, Denny; his children, Melanie (J.P.) Hanaway and John (Mariette) Gross, and his grandson, Jack. He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn Gross and his sisters, Jane (Alex) Plassmeyer and Susan (Galen) Holloway, all of Jefferson City. John is preceded in death by his father John A. Gross. A Memorial Gathering was held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road (between 14 and 15 Mile Rds.), Royal Oaks, Mich., Wednesday, August 15, 2012.