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It is with great sadness that the family of DONALD JOHN GROSS announces his passing on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the age 86. Don passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side.

A Memorial Service for Don will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Cheryl Davis officiating. A Luncheon will immediately follow in the Reflections Reception Center. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 18, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel.

Don, 3rd of 12 children, was born on June 30, 1931 in Weidman to Charles and Agnes (Grisdale) Gross. He graduated from Weidman High School with the Class of 1949. Following high school, Don attended Michigan State University on a basketball scholarship until he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds after his freshman year of college. Don had a 13-year career in professional baseball as a left-handed pitcher. Don pitched in 1950-1952 and 1954-1963, with time out in most of 1952 and all of 1953 while in military service. Don was 24 years old when he broke into the big leagues on July 21, 1955, with the Cincinnati Reds. Don played 6 years in the major leagues with the Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates. In his major league career, Don pitched 398 innings over 145 games with a 3.73 ERA, 20 wins, 10 saves, 9 complete games and 230 K’s. Don married the love of his life, June Bernadette McGrath on December 28, 1957 in Bellevue, Kentucky. June preceded him in death on November 19, 2013 after 56 great years of marriage. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard work, golf, playing pool with son David, puzzles, and playing cards. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and watching the grandkids sporting and school events.

Don is survived by his children, David Gross of Lake Isabella, Deron (Kenda) Gross of Midland, Judi (David Gardner) Gross of Lake; grandchildren Keri (Sam) Mosey of Gasquet, CA, Kami (Brian Lehnert) Maxon of Canadian Lakes, Katie (Ryan Johnson) Maxon of Lakeview, and Jake, Tanner, Julia, and Tara Gross of Midland; great grandchildren Walker Maxon, Oaklee Johnson, and Miles Mosey; brother Larry (Donna) Gross of Lake Isabella, sisters Marilyn Losey of Lake Isabella, Joanne Cochran of Lake Isabella, Charlene Gross of Lake Isabella, Sandy (John) Strazanac of Grand Haven; sister in law Jan Gross of Mt. Pleasant; brother in law Jerry Wiseman of Newport, KY; and many, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife June; brothers Al, Bob, and Jack; and sisters Pat Klump, Virginia Jackson, and Carol Thomas.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michel Hurtubise for his special care to Don over the years.

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