Elton Chenoweth Ross, 95, passed away Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville, with his wife and daughter by his side.
Elton was born March 30, 1925, near Hope, Indiana, to J. Ray and Elva Taylor Ross.
Elton graduated from Columbus High School in 1943 and was immediately entered into the military draft, serving most of his time in Co. D, 48th Tank Battalion, 14th Armored Division in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. He was seriously wounded at age 19 in Barr, Alsace, France in late November 1944. After six weeks in hospital he rejoined his unit at Niederbetschdorf, Alsace in the midst of the Battle of Hatten-Rittershoffen. He ended his World War II time as a Sgt. Tank Commander, and received many WWII decorations, including The Order of the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars and the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal from the French government in recognition of service to France and Western Europe in WWII, a medal initiated by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1700’s.
Elton graduated with a BSME ’50 with honors from Purdue University in 1950, through the GI bill. He met his future wife, Marguerite, on the very first day of freshman classes, and they were married four years later in Milledgeville, Illinois.
After graduation, Elton worked for Cummins Engine Co., and then moved his family to Crawfordsville in 1953 to work at Hoosier Crown Corporation. He worked in many engineering capacities and managed several departments, retiring after 38 years of service.
Elton and Marge were active in many community organizations. They were members of First United Methodist Church for 67 years and delivered Meals On Wheels together for more than 20 years. Elton enjoyed many years working in the Boy Scout of America organization as Scoutmaster and serving on the district level, and was honored by BSA with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to his community. He was active in the Crawfordsville Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Old Jail Museum board of directors for many years. He was recently recognized by the Knights Templar of Indiana Masonry for 50 years of service. After retirement, Elton and Marge traveled throughout the United States and attended annual U.S. Army reunions of the 14th Armored Division Association, where they enjoyed meeting up again with old army buddies and their families.
Elton is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Marguerite Fletcher Ross, and children, Marilyn Smith, Brad Ross, Stephen Ross (Joe Kenyon) and Jennifer (Michael) Taxman. The joys of his life, whom he loved very much, are grandchildren, Max Chenoweth Taxman and Isabel Honor Taxman. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Malcolm, Bernard and Curtis.
In light of the current world health situation, a private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. A memorial service will be announced at a future date.
Elton’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Wellbrooke of Crawfordsville and Franciscan Hospice Care for the comfort and care they expressed during his illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, c/o Gary Stull, 2428 W. Winslow Drive, Crawfordsville, IN 47933; the First United Methodist Church of Crawfordsville; or a gift in his name to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences or memories may be shared at; www.huntandson.com.
