Obituary of Shafer A. Gross

Shafer Alexander Gross, 79, of Lake Ozark, continued his journey with our Lord on October 15, 2010, surrounded by a circle of love, at his home. Born February 19, 1931, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Katherene Eleanor Flood and William Alexander Gross. Shafer was a graduate of Carthage High School in Carthage, Missouri. During high school, Shafer was a member of the ROTC and worked for the Gas Service Company in Carthage. After graduation, he continued his education at Pittsburgh State in Pittsburgh, Kansas, where he earned his degree in Business and also served in the U.S. Army Reserves. After completing his degree, Shafer was stationed in Greenland for one year. He retired from the Gas Service Company in 1969 and from the U.S. Army in 1973 as a Major. Shafer and Shirley Joyce Burch were wed on July 5, 1970. They moved to Oak Park, Illinois, where he worked for several hospitals including the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine as the Vice President of Finance. In 1980, pursuing his dream of business ownership, the family moved to Lake of the Ozarks and purchased Alhonna Resort on Horseshoe Bend where he worked until he semi-retired two years ago. Shafer loved his family, his church and his long time friends and bible study companions. He always joked that he had moved to Lake of the Ozarks to retire, but in truth he worked harder than ever to build his family�s resort to the successful business it is today. He truly enjoyed working with the public and was always ready to lend a hand to those in need. When not working, Shafer loved to play cards, and was an avid college football and basketball fan. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus through his church, Our Lady of the Lake, in Lake Ozark. His Christian spirit shone through his bright blue eyes. Shafer is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Shirley Gross, of the home; five children: George Thomas Gross and Vickie Gross of Potosi, Missouri; Ruth Jane Hill and Mark Hill of Rocky Mount, Missouri; Sheryl Kay Elia and Michael Elia of Lake Ozark, Missouri; David Earl Gross and Kim Gross of Overland Park, Kansas; and Michelle Ann Harris and Marc Harris of Lake Ozark, Missouri. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Alexander Steven Olauson, George Thomas Gross, Jr., Nell Marie Gross, Mikayla Nicole Elia, Veronica May Harris, Samantha Rose Elia and Jacob Lloyed Harris. He is preceded in death by both parents and one sister, Priscilla Witt.