Wilbur Scott Gross, 78, retired Coesse and Indian Springs Middle School teacher, died at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2020, in the company of family at Parkview Randallia, Fort Wayne where he was admitted earlier in the week.

He was born on January 21, 1942, in Goshen, Indiana, a son of the late William Barnwell Gross and Grace Evelyn (Scott) Gross. His formative years were spent in Goshen, where he graduated from Goshen High School in 1960. He earned a Bachelor of Theology at Olivet Nazarene College, Bourbonnais, Illinois, and a Master's Degree in Education at Saint Francis University, Fort Wayne.

On June 21, 1964, he was united in marriage to Barbara Louise Paulus. They made their first home in Smithfield, IL. Moving back to the area, they lived at Tri-Lakes and for the past five years, Columbia City.

A career-long teacher, he taught science and physical education at the Coesse School and finished his career at Indian Springs Middle School retiring in 1997. A mentor to youth in the school district, he coached a variety of sports teaching the fundamentals to middle schoolers. Being a golfer, he especially liked teaching the game.

A member of the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene and had served many years on the church board. In the winter months, he enjoyed bowling, and when not playing golf in the summer months, he delighted in fishing. He was known for his homemade beef jerky, which he generously shared with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Barbara; two daughters, Linda Yoder, and Lisa (Joshua) Smith, both of Columbia City; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and two brothers, Donald Gross of Austin, TX and David (Diana) Gross of Marietta, GA.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Robert Gross.

The funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday at the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene, 506 N Main St. Burial in at the South Park Annex Cemetery. Visitation is 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and 1 hour before the service at the church.

Preferred memorials are to the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.