Ross

Martin Eugene (Gene) Ross, 87 of Plainview, passed away Monday, June 20, 2022. Private Family Services will be at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Lemons Funeral Home.

Martin Eugene (Gene) Ross was born at home in Geary, Oklahoma, on a Tuesday, Oct. 16, 1934, with the help of a neighbor lady. His parents were Martin Francis and Claudia (Harvell) Ross. He was the 3rd child in line after Bill and Frances, and big brother to Karen, Steve, and Ricky. He grew up fishing, swimming, and noodling for catfish on the North Canadian River. Gene and Frances often teamed up for adventures.

Gene went on wheat harvest at an early age to help support his family. He was then drafted into the Army on Jan. 15, 1954, during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany in the artillery division. He was honorably discharged in December 1955 as a corporal.

On Dec. 6, 1961, Gene married Bennie Lou Dearmon in El Reno, Oklahoma. They took their grandmothers as witnesses of their marriage. They were together for 60 years. Three daughters were born to the couple were Tamara (Tammy) McLain, Rhonda Reeve, and Chanin Hiland. For most of his adult life, Gene’s career revolved around a cotton gin. He started as a ginner, became a manager, and eventually owned Ross Family Gin in Sunnyside, Texas. He retired at age 79 after serving as manager of the Halfway Coop Gin for many years.

Gene is survived by his wife, Bennie; and daughters Tammy (Bud) McLain, Rhonda (Jay) Reeve, and Chanin Hiland; sister, Frances Williams; brother, Ricky Ross; and seven grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Claudia; brothers, Bill and Steve; sister, Karen; son-in-law, Steve Hiland; and grandson, Trey Robb.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice in Gene’s name.