Morris Eugene Gross, 85, passed away at 4:18 p.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, from injuries sustained in a vehicle crash. His passing leaves behind a legacy of devotion, integrity, and a life well-lived through service, family, and faith.
He was born on January 5, 1940, in Jerseyville, the son of the late Earl Lee and Rosalind Fay (Rintoul) Gross. A proud graduate of Jersey Community High School’s Class of 1958, Morris went on to study at the University of Illinois at Champaign. He also served his country honorably in the United States Army, where his time in uniform reflected the values he carried throughout his life—discipline, humility, and a deep sense of service.
On July 4, 1964, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Bechtold, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Dow. Together, they built a life rooted in commitment and compassion, raising two children and creating a home filled with laughter, faith, and unconditional love.
Morris dedicated 36 years of his working life to Owens-Illinois Glass Mold Shop as a machinist, where he earned a reputation for precision, reliability, and unmatched work ethic. Those who worked alongside him knew him as steady and principled—a man who led by example and lived with purpose.
Beyond his career, Morris was a deeply devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he passed along values of honor, responsibility, and kindness to the generations that followed him. After retirement, he fully embraced time with his family and the joy of watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
He and Dorothy shared a spirit of adventure, traveling the world together to destinations most only dream of—Egypt, China, Russia, Australia, and through the Panama Canal—each journey filled with discovery and companionship.
A Life Master Bridge player, Morris loved the mental challenge and camaraderie of the game. He also enjoyed golfing with friends, restoring classic cars, and working with his hands—his skills in woodworking and carpentry were matched only by the pride he took in crafting something from scratch.
Surviving are his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Dorothy Gross of Godfrey; a daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Dennis Thomas of Godfrey; a son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Amy Gross of Wake Forest, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Kelsey (Aaron) Swan of O’Fallon, Missouri, Sam (Katie) Thomas of Maplewood, Missouri, and Audrey Gross of Wake Forest, North Carolina; two cherished great-grandchildren, Valerie and Luke; and his sister and brother-in-law, Judy and W. Kay Schultz of Godfrey.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2025, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. In accordance with Morris’s wishes, funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Dysautonomia International or to Shults-Lewis Child and Family Services, in care of the funeral home.
To share memories and offer condolences, please visit www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Morris’s life was a testament to quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering love—a legacy his family will carry forward with pride.
