Wingate – Kevin Lee Gross, age 62, of rural of Wingate, passed away in his home  Wednesday evening, January 9, 2019.  He had been in failing health the past several years.   Kevin was born in Crawfordsville, December 19, 1956 son of the late Homer 'Doc' and Catherine May Funk Bowers Gross.  On April 16, 1976 he married Laura Lea Dowden in the New Richmond Methodist Church and she survives

Kevin was a graduate of North Montgomery High School with the class of 1975 and was literally born a farmer and mechanic with a 'knack for fixing things'!  He was first employed by the Fox-Wright John Deere dealership in Mellott and Williamsport, then at Bane Implement Company in Wingate, and later, a few years at Daniels John Deere in Frankfort.  From 1988-1994 he operated his own farm equipment repair business.   Since 1994 he operated his own grain farm.  Even while farming, if a local farmer had a tractor or combine with a 'sound' or 'leak' you could find Kevin on the way to solve their problem.  Kevin enjoyed farming with his son-in-law Brian.  Kevin had served with Coal Creek Fire and Rescue for over 22 years, most of that time as the Chief Maintenance Officer.

He was John Deere man through and through. He enjoyed working on and had a collection of John Deere tractors.  But the sparkle in his eye was for his family, especially his granddaughters! Kevin was a participant in the Wingate Tractor Show and enjoyed biennial trips to the Century of Progress Show in Rantoul with his buddies.  He also enjoyed his time at the 'North End' in Wingate, trading stories with 'The Boys'. He was especially fond of music from the 70s.

Surviving along with his wife Laura are; a son, Brian Gross (partner Marcus Harris) of Lawrence, a daughter Becky (Brian) Higgins of rural Veedersburg, grandchildren, Tiffany and  Kaylee Willhite, Johanna (Joey Melin) Higgins, Zack (Kaitlyn) Higgins and great-grandson Gavin Higgins.  His twin sister, Kathie (Mike) Merritt of Wingate and siblings Dennis (Elizabeth) Gross of Hawaii, Larry (Vicki) Gross of Lafayette, John (Karen) Bowers of Pittsboro, Linda (Rick) Richey of Indianapolis, Mary Lynn (Kurt) Udseth of Westminster, MD. Kevin will also be missed by an entire community of friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Bonnie Gross and sister Melissa Gross.

Visitation will be held at Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate, 4:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday, January 13, 2019.  Funeral Services will be at the funeral home, 11:00 AM Monday, January 14th, with family members officiating. Interment will follow in Meharry Cemetery, Wingate. Memorial contributions may best be directed to Riley Hospital for Children or St. Jude's Children Hospital with envelopes available at the funeral home. Visit us on line to leave a condolence or share a memory at www.familyandfriendsfh.com Kevin's family asks all guests attending his visitation and funeral to please dress casually.