Ross VanDusen

Ross VanDusen, age 88, was born September 1, 1934, in Adrian, Michigan to his parents, Kenneth and Gertrude (Jutting) VanDusen. He passed away on June 3, 2023, in Tyler, Texas. He is now reunited and celebrating in Heaven with many family members and friends. Ross loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was a man of deep faith with a servant’s heart. Ross was preceded in death by his parent; his first wife, Sybil (Stanley) VanDusen, and most recently, by his wife, Rosita (McElhannon) VanDusen. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth VanDusen, Jr. and John VanDusen, Sr.; his sister, Barbara Parshall; his stepson, Harold McElhannon, Jr.; his granddaughters, Elizabeth McElhannon and Amber (Haney) Watts; and his great-grandson, David Watts. Ross is survived by his sons, Rodney VanDusen (Katrinka) and Scott VanDusen (Cynthia). He is also survived by his other children Pamela Brandon; Carolyn Haney (Perry), and Debra Tincher (Jerry). He was very blessed to have enjoyed being a grandfather to 18 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Ross is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Ross graduated from Sand Creek High School in Michigan and attended the University of Houston in Texas. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard. Ross retired as a mail route carrier for the United States Post Office after 30 years of service. He was a former member of First Assembly of God in Gilmer, Texas, where he served as a Deacon and could be found at the front door on Sundays with a warm smile and a firm handshake. Ross enjoyed planting a garden every year, working on his Chevrolet pickup truck and watching sports, especially baseball and football. The last football game he watched was his favorite team, the Michigan Wolverines. He loved being outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature; he loved life! The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff of Watkins-Logan Veterans Home of Tyler, Texas for being part of our loved one’s healthcare needs and to the staff of Heart to Heart Hospice. Special thanks also to Dr. Lewis King and staff in Gilmer, Texas and to the staff of Comfort Keepers in Longview, Texas. A Celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at McWhorter Funeral Home in Gilmer, Texas with Pastor Jason Brandon (grandson) officiating the service. Private interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Refuge Church of Longview, P.O. Box 10296, Longview, Texas 75608 or to a charity of your choice. Please visit Ross’s online registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.

Ross VanDusen

September 1, 1934 - June 3, 2023