Eugene "Gene" Ross

Eugene “Gene” Ross, age 84, of Maryville, IL, born July 18, 1941, in East St. Louis, IL, died on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Gene retired from the St. Lous Cardinals as a mechanic after 23 years.  Even after retirement, he still enjoyed working on and building custom cars.  Gene won many awards over the years at the car shows he and Shirley attended.  He was a lifetime member of the Lakers Car Club and one of the original members of the Piston Pushers Club, joining in 1958.  Gene had many cars over the years but took pride in his 1936 Chevy and his 1937 Ford Cabriolet, which was built for his wife Shirley.  In his younger years, Gene enjoyed hunting and spending time outdoors.  He also loved spending time with friends and family, playing cards and feeding his many raccoons.  Gene will be sorely missed by family members and friends, including his cat, Margaret.  He was loved by all. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley J. Ross, nee Gricius; a son, Jeffrey Ross; his parents, Anthony and Lydia A., nee, Korte, Ross; a brother, Edward Ross; and a sister, Viola Cooper.

He is survived by a son, Michael Ross (Cathy Barger) of Maryville, IL; his grandchildren, Olyvia Ross (Martin Smith), Martin (Hannah) May and Dominique (Megan) Giavando-Hoog; his great-grandchildren, Priscilla, Niall and Nash; and a sister, Rose (Merritt) Hedden of Sun City, AZ.

Memorials can be made to Randy’s Rescue Ranch or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Classic cars are encouraged to be brought to the services.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, IL

Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, IL.

Interment will be held in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

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