Joseph D. Ross, 91, Van Wert, died at 2:50 p.m. Feb. 17, 2012, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice.

He was born Aug. 5, 1920, in Mercer County to Charles Lewis and Edith Tingley Ross. He married Eloise Waltz, who died June 24, 1974. On June 29, 1976, he married Margaret E. "Peggy" Poling Zeigler, who died Nov. 5, 2001.

Surviving are two children, Steven Walter (Dayle) Ross, Celina, and Gina Ross (Kevin) Garabedian, Woodland Hills, Calif.; two stepchildren, William Meredith (Joanie) Zeigler, Columbus, and Jeffrey Stewart (Mary) Zeigler, Columbus; seven grandchildren; and several stepgrandchildren and step-greatgrandchildren.

Deceased is son, Eric Jay Ross; and a brother, Paul Tingley Ross

He was owner of Joe Ross Pipeline Construction Company from 1963 to 1982. He served with the U. S. Navy during World War II on the USS Mississippi and other ships. He was a former member of Van Wert Elks, Veteran of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Willow Bend Country Club and was a Free Mason.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Van Wert.

Service was this morning at the church, the Rev. Gus Christo-Baker officiated. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Graveside service were conducted by combined units of Van Wert American Legion and VFW.

Memorials may be made to Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.

Arrangements were handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert. Condolences may be left at alspachgearhart.com.