John L. Ross

John L. Ross, 87, of Galesburg, died on Thursday, March 14, 2019, 9:22 AM, at the Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville.  John was born on August 5, 1931 in Bushnell. He was the son of Allien Eskridge. John married Catherine M. Pecharich on June 27, 1953 in Galesburg. He is survived by his wife, Catherine; his seven children, Cathy (Randy) Bainter of Macomb, Merilee (Carl) Cain of Mitchell, South Dakota, Steve (Glenda) Ross of Anamosa, Iowa, Susan (Bill) Kampbell of Rockvale, Tenessee, Michael (Jonetta) Ross of Surprise, Arizona, Richard (Stephanie) Ross of Ozark, Missouri, and Nancy (Troy) Durdle of Roseville; fifteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way. He was preceded in death by his mother, two brothers, David St. Clair and Clarence St. Clair; and his grandparents, David and Etha Ross with whom he spent his formative years.   John was a 1951 graduate of Bushnell High School, where he participated in football, basketball and track. He received many awards during his basketball career, some which can still be seen in the high school trophy case today. He was a veteran of the United States Army. After the army, John worked for Omar Bakery and Wonder Bread. Later, John worked as a conductor for the BNSF railroad retiring after 20 years, in 1991. John was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He loved to go to auctions, watch westerns, and go fishing. He was an avid bowler, teaching his children the sport. John also played in a basketball league at the YMCA. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2019 from 3 PM - 5 PM at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Rosary will be prayed at 5 PM. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, March 18, 2019, 10 AM, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted with Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be given to COSTA Catholic Academy, or to Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, 585 County Rd Z, Sinsinawa, WI 53824. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.watsonthomas.com .