Donald Edward Ross of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away August 10th, 2020 at the age of 55. Don was born on July 27th, 1965 in Oil CIty, Pennsylvania and was the youngest of 9 children. He was preceded in death by his older brother and survived by his other seven loving brothers and sisters. He was born to Melvin James Ross and Margaret "Nikki" Ross who he joined in Heaven. He was a beloved father survived by three girls, Shannon Nicole Ross the oldest, Jamie Michelle Ross the middle, and Jessi Anne Ross the youngest, as well as his adoring granddaughter born to Shannon, Lilliana Nicole Koole. He is also survived by the mother of their children, Deb "Ski" Ross, who has always been his best friend.

Don was a graduate of Tionesta High School in PA and immediately joined the United States Air Force at the age of 18. He proudly served for 10 years as a B-52 mechanic, was a Veteran in Desert Storm, and received the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. He was a dedicated American who loved his country and always proudly displayed his flag. He had a strong love for nature (especially daisies) and enjoyed every beautiful day as well as any thunderstorm that rolled through. He was a gifted writer, specifically when it came to poetry and left us with many writings we will cherish always. One of his favorite things were the long conversations he shared with his friends and loved ones. He thanked God for the little things such as beautiful days, warm water, and seeing his girls smile.

Those who knew him always said he was the life of every party. In Don's Mother's poem to her 9 children, "Tribe of Indians," (as she liked to call them) her words about her baby boy were, "The youngest, and a clown, a happy jolly boy, may he not change when a man, and bring all he meets some joy." Without a doubt we all know he did just that, time and time again.


"A comedian can only last until he either takes himself serious, or his audience takes him serious."