Charles Thomas Ross

Charles Thomas Ross, 94, passed away peacefully at home, Sunday, November 12, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was born September 19,1929 in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky to the late Paul and Mary Noffsinger Ross. Charles was preceded in death in 2018 by his wife of 67 years, Freida Beck Ross.

Charles was a graduate of Drakesboro High School and he continued his education with undergraduate work at Western Kentucky University, where he belonged to ROTC. His post-graduate work included a Masters Degree at Indiana University and a degree in Rank 1 studies at Western Kentucky University.

 Mr. Ross began his illustrious career in education in 1951, as a young teacher at Buck Creek Elementary, a one-room schoolhouse. He moved on to teach at Maceo Elementary from 1953-59, and at Daviess County Junior High from 1959-63. Mr. Ross moved into administration in 1963 when he was promoted as a Principal at Snyder School. He served 1968-71 as Assistant Principal at Daviess County Junior High; from 1971-72 as Principal at Maceo Elementary School; and from 1972-76 as Principal at Sorgho Elmentary School. In 1976 Mr. Ross accepted his final role in education when he was appointed Principal at Philpot Elementary, where he served until his retirement in 1991.

Charles was a longtime and active member of Owensboro Christian Church, and an Honorable Kentucky Colonel. An avid golfer, Charles was part of the “Sacramento Tuesday Morning Scramble Group”, but he was happiest when playing golf with his son, Jeff, and grandson, Patrick. Charles truly loved traveling and spending time with his family, particularly late in life when he enjoyed many trips to Lexington to visit his great-grandsons.

Mr. Ross is survived by his daughter, Vicki Ross Riley of Owensboro, and son, Jeff Ross (Beth) of Canton, Mississippi; a grandson, Steven Patrick Riley (Alexandria) of Lexington; great-grandsons, Philip Dulay-Swickard and Charles Ross Riley; and his beloved dog, Sebastian.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, November 16 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. The committal service and burial will follow at 2:30 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 until 6:00 PM and Thursday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Dr. Howard and staff; the Wound Care Center and staff, particularly Ashley Emmick, APRN and Courtney Hardy, APRN; HPC of Western Kentucky; and friends and caregivers Cinda Vanover, Kris Vanover and Tabitha Glover.

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.