Emerson J. Ross Jr.

November 25, 2018

Emerson J. Ross, Jr. It is with great sorrow that we share the unexpected passing of Emerson J. Ross, Jr. on November 25, 2018 in EI Centro, CA. Emerson became ill while at his winter home in San Felipe B.C., Mexico. He was transported to EI Centro, CA where he passed away with his loving wife Patricia at his side. The cause of death was an undiagnosed aggressive cancer. Emerson, 77 was born to the union of Emerson J. Ross, Sr. and Ruth (Duncan) Ross at Riverside Hospital in Toledo, OH. Emerson was educated in the Catholic school system. He attended the former St. Benedict Elementary School and was in the first four-year graduating class of St. Francis DeSales High School. While at St. Francis, Emerson played football and received a full scholarship to attend Maryland State College, now the University of Maryland at Eastern Shores. In 1963 Emerson received a bachelor's degree in Education and attended the University of Toledo law School. In 1963 Emerson married the former Deanna Johnson and to that union was born their daughter, Rhea loren (Ross) Crayton. Over the years Emerson was employed with Page Dairy, Ohio Civil Rights Commission, Owens Illinois, Ohio Bell, and Owens Corning. Emerson began his 34 year career with Owens Corning as an auditor and retired in 2003 as Director of World Wide Community Affairs. Emerson always had a deep commitment to serve and give back to the community. He actively supported the Democratic Party, being instrumental in assisting the passage of the city tax and supporting multiple campaigns for U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur. His community Boards and endeavors included: Mid Am/Sky Financial/Huntington Bank, Toledo Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of NWOH, Medical College of Ohio, President of Riverside Hospital, lISC, Neighborhood Housing, United Way, State Board of Education, Civil Rights Commission, African American legacy Project, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Habitat for Humanity, and Worldwide liaison for the Owens Corning Community. Emerson's love of travel took him all over the world. He loved outdoor activities, especially any golf course that crossed his path. He enjoyed countless hours with family and friends exploring the unseen areas of nature and spending time with his grandson. Surviving are his wife Patricia Page-Ross, brother James Ross, daughter Rhea loren (Ross) Crayton, step-sons, Clifton E. Beasley and John M. Page, grandchildren Torrey l. Beasley and Martin Thomas Page, as well as additional family and friends. Visitation services will be Saturday 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Alpha Phi Alpha service will be 11:30 a.m.-12:00 noon with funeral services beginning at 12:00 noon. Interment will proceed at Woodlawn Cemetery. All services will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal, 2770 West Central, Toledo, Ohio. In lieu of flowers please consider any of the following: Hospice of NWOH, Wayman Palmer YMCA or the African American legacy Project.