Michael grew up living in Germany, where his father was in the military, and in several states in the US. He graduated from high school in Eugene, MO. Michael then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany, retiring after 21 years of service. Following the service, he attended Community College of the Air Force obtaining an Associates of Science Degree in Auto Mechanics, and the University of Maryland – European Division in College Park, Maryland. Michael worked independently as a Safety Inspector for a number of years, then joined Bartlett Cocke General Construction and was safety representative for the Kyle Field Redevelopment project at Texas A&M University for two years. He moved to Nevada in 2021 to be closer to family. He was a member of the VFW in Nevada.
In addition to his wife Melynda, he is survived by a son, Brandon Gross (Cassie), Boston, MA; a stepson, Kory Gould and his fiance, Kaitlyn Schwers, Raymore, MO; a stepdaughter, Karisa Gould, Wentzville, MO; three sisters, Carol Heflin (Michael), Kansas City, MO, Tanya Powell, Jefferson City, MO, Cherie Copeland (Gary), Florida; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jack Gross, and one sister, Dorothy Delaney.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, MO.
