Jefferey Lynn "Rat" Gross

Jefferey Lynn "Rat" Gross
60 died at his residence on July 7, 2014.

Jefferey was born on June 14, 1954, in Lima, Ohio, to Harold Gene Gross and Illa Faye (Derringer) Gross, who preceded him in death. On Saturday, February 14, 1976, in Harrod, Ohio, he married Vicki Lynn England. She survives in Lima, Ohio.

Mr. Gross worked at the Lima State Hospital, the Lima Correctional Institute, and the Allen Correctional Institute. He retired in 2005 with 35 years of service with the Department of Corrections of Ohio. From 1984 until 2004 when it closed, Mr. Gross, along with three other staff members of Lima Correctional Institute (Mr. H. K. Russell, Greg Allen and Tom Lee), helped form the first Institute Honor Guard. In 2000, Mr. Gross was appointed Commander of the first state wide Honor Guard Team for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. In 2005 Mr. Gross retired from the State Honor Guard Team. From 1984 until 2005 Mr. Gross has laid to rest over 200 staff members from that department with respect and honor; even members that have been killed in the line of duty, also many Law Enforcement Officers. Mr Gross took a great deal of pride and honor for his Honor Guard Team. He wishes to thank all the Wardens; Mr. H. K. Russell, Mr. Carter, Mr. Leonard, Mr. Tibbuls and Mr. Williams; that have supported his team. Mr. Gross was also a U.S. Army veteran from 1972 -- 1978, where he held the rank of SP/5. He was assigned to a Pershing Missile Unit in Germany with the 7th Army, and then a Pershing Missile Unit where he was awarded several awards.

Jefferey is survived by; a son, 1stSgt. Jefferey L. (Mindy) Gross, of Fort Carson, CO, a daughter, Latasha (Phillip Mitchell) Gross, of Celina, OH; two brothers, Dave (Helen) Gross, of Spencerville, OH. and Harold (Elaine) Gross, of Spencerville, OH; two sisters, Carole (Dewayne) Clevenger, of Antwerp, OH and Lori (B.J.) Och, of Spencerville, OH; six grandchildren, Jacob, Dylan, Tyler, Jackson, Jaelynn, and Jo Jo.

He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, William England, and a sister-in-law Tricia Howell.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, July 11, 2014 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home in Lima, Ohio.

A Funeral Service will begin at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Pastor Bo McComas will officiate. Military honors will be performed by VFW Post 1275.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com