Jake Derril Ross

Jake Derril Ross, 93, of Brookfield, Missouri, went to be with his Lord, Jesus, August 4, 2019. Jake was born September 6, 1925, to William and Allene Ross in Brookfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sisters Jane (Ross) Blunt and Georgia Mae (Ross) Facto, Granddaughter Tabitha (Bloss) Jennings, Great Granddaughter Sarah Jane Vroom, and Brother-in-law Leo Walsh. Jake is survived by his wife Betty Jane (Mosley) Ross, daughters, Linda (Gerry) Bloss, Brenda (Darryl) Thompson, Grandchildren Daniel Ross, Robie (Stacy) Thompson, Great Grandchildren Danielle Putnum, Sydney Thompson, Katelyn Vroom, Avery Thompson, Sister-in-law Jean Walsh, Brother-in-law Butch (Sara) Mosley; Sister-in-law Doris Mosley and his grandson’s dog Silas, who he aptly nicknamed “Tiger.”

Jake was born in Brookfield, Missouri in 1925. He attended Brookfield School and graduated in 1943. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army. Before leaving his high school sweetheart behind, he asked for her hand in marriage. She accepted, and they became man and wife. 

With 8,600 men and women, PFC Ross set sail for the European Theater of operations in Scotland, England, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany, during World War II. He saw combat as a member of the 546th Anti-Aircraft Division. He received the news that his wife was expecting and 9 months later, they welcomed a baby girl that he would see for the first time, 10 months later. 
Jake fought valiantly at The Battle of The Bulge, a conflict that ensued many casualties. He served as a medic, surgical technician, and truck driver from 1943 to 1946. Sailing home on a small ship called the Santa Maria, torrential storms and violent wind almost sank the ship in the cold, ocean sea, but Jake made it safely home. He embraced his wife and daughter, Linda, April of 1946. Less than two years later, they welcomed another daughter, Brenda.

Jake and Betty accepted the Lord, Jesus, as their Savior at the ages of 21 and 20. They raised their family to love the Lord and were in church every time the doors were open. They were a vital part of their church, holding offices of deacon and Sunday school teacher respectively, for many years. 

Jake worked for Ameren Union Electric for 37 years. He served as Chaplain for the local VFW and was a member of the American Legion. He and Betty bought a house in Brookfield which merely contained a sink and pot-bellied stove. He worked tirelessly on an ongoing remodeling project for 65 years to provide a home for his family.

Jake’s sacrifice instilled a prolific sense of patriotism in his children and grandchildren. Respecting God and country was paramount in the Ross home. What warmed his heart most was the outpouring of gratitude shown by men, women, and children everywhere. Jake has left a legacy in all who knew him, respect and admiration for the men and women of our armed forces who continue the fight for freedom everywhere.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield with Pastor Mike Myers officiating.  Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Brookfield.  The family will receive friends Wednesday, from 12:00 noon until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorials to the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital or University Hospital may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.

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