Gene Gross

Eugene Lewis Gross, 81, passed away on February 5, 2026, in Scott City, Kansas. Born on August 18, 1944, in Raleigh, North Carolina; the son of Ralph Lewis and Francis Susan (Ripley) Gross.

After his father's discharge from the military the family settled in the Friend, Kansas area, where he attended grade school. He graduated from Garden City High School and continued his education at K-State, where he excelled on the meats judging team, worked in the meat lab, and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science.

Gene's work ethic was evident from a young age as he toiled on the family farm in the Friend area. He was involved in several activities growing up including the Block and Bridle Club and Sandhill Vaquero organization. It was here that he met his future wife, Connie Glunt. Despite her initial impression of him as ornery, Gene's personality and wit grew on her, and the two were wed on April 8, 1966. The couple briefly moved to Wichita, where Gene supported Connie while she trained in the Med Tech program, taking a position with Boeing building parts for the Huey Helicopter. In 1968, they returned to Western Kansas, where Gene began farming for his father-in-law and later became a partner in a local hog farm, engaging the whole family in the process from farrow to finish.

Gene and Connie enjoyed square dancing together. Gene had a passion for leatherwork; he spent many years as a 4-H Club leader, fair judge, and as the swine superintendent. Throughout his life, Gene was known for his generosity and humor. More than just a family man, Gene was a father figure to many children in his community, shaping their lives with his guidance and support.

Survivors include his wife- Connie; Children- Tammy & Michael Wallace, Brenda Sharp, and Craig & Juliana Gross; Grandchildren- Trisha & Nation Van Meter, Paige Wallace, Skyler Wallace, Travis Sharp, and Elizabeth & Sean Coleman; Great-grandchildren- Payson Van Meter, Ryker Van Meter, Haley Lopez, Emery Lopez, Lane Coleman, and Kaden Coleman; Brother- Doug Gross; Sisters-in-Law- Elaine Gross, Sandra Brennan, Karla Sauer, Karen Srajer, and Marsha Glunt.

He is preceded in death by his parents; step-mother- Opal Gross; ; In-Laws- Angell and Helen Glunt; siblings- Bill Gross, Susan Gross, and Warren Gross; and sister-in-law- Kay Gross.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Friday February 13, 2026 at Garnand Funeral Home of Garden City, Kansas with Pastor Von Hunn officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Kansas State University Finney County 4-H Scholarship Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home.

Garnand Funeral Home 412 N. 7th Street Garden City, Kansas 67846 620-276-3219