Rockne "Rocky" Kent Gross

            Rockne “Rocky” Kent Gross, 73, of the Kansas City Northland, passed away March 31, 2023, following an unforeseen accident and brief hospitalization.  He died at North Kansas City Hospital with loved ones at his side.

            Rocky was born April 20, 1949, in Hannibal, Missouri, the youngest of three children of Willard Wilson Gross and Lois Louise Harrison Gross. His parents and brother, John “Rusty” Gross, preceded him in death.

Rocky grew up in Palmyra, Missouri, where he was active in Boy Scouts and multiple sports, including football, track, and basketball. He graduated from Palmyra High School and later received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) in Kirksville.   He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg.   

During college, Rocky met the love of his life, Linda Marlene Leake.  They were married on June 3, 1972, and soon moved to Kansas City.  Rocky and Linda were blessed with two daughters, Andrea and Shawnda, and lived “on the hill” outside of Missouri City for 45 years. Their home in a peaceful rural area was filled with faith, partnership, and love to spoil their children and grandchildren.

Rocky worked for the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Kansas City for 36 years.  He truly enjoyed his work and the opportunity to form many lifetime friendships during his many years at “The Fed.”

         Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Linda; daughter, Andrea Grow (Gary); and daughter, Shawnda Gross (Keegan Mikessell). He was “Boompa” to five exceptional grandchildren, Allyson (16), Aaron (16), Olivia (14), Tyler (14) and Justin (14), who he loved more than anything.  Rocky also leaves his sister, Tanya Foote (Roger deceased) and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly.

               Rocky loved being outdoors, taking walks, gardening, nature, woodworking, reading, animals, home projects, coaching young people, sports, especially Mizzou, the Chiefs and the Royals.  He was involved at St. James Catholic Church as a Knight of Columbus and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.  He also loved music, especially the Moody Blues and Chicago.

               What Boompa valued most was watching and supporting his family, especially his grandchildren as they excelled in their passions. He could often be found at cross-country meets, track events, basketball games, soccer games, lacrosse matches, wrestling meets, choir concerts, plays and musicals.  He spread praise and love so easily, routinely bringing “treats” to his family and sending encouraging, albeit LONG, text messages and strings of emojis. Boompa had a sweet personality with a “sweet tooth” to match, often carrying and sharing different candies, nuts, fruits, and snacks wherever he went. He possessed a keen sense of humor with an even funnier little exaggerated laugh (“Ha!”) when he got tickled.

               Rocky’s legacy remains leading a faithful existence doing God’s work every day. He spread gracious love and energy, never knew a stranger, and was a friendly face to all.  He endeavored to leave the world a little better than he found it, giving his time, talent, and treasure until his final day on this earth.  He will be greatly missed!    

               The Rosary will be said at 4:00 pm, followed by visitation until 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, April 12, at St. James Catholic Church, Liberty, Missouri. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, April 13, at St. James Catholic Church, Liberty.  A burial will follow at Missouri City Cemetery.

               In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church (stjames-liberty.org) or Habitat for Humanity (habitatkc.org).

               You may share a message with the family or sign an online guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com.  Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.