Joseph Wayne Ross, Jr., age 57, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of Knoxville, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 25th. Wayne was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and raised in Many, Louisiana. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph Ross; mother, Glenda Pierce; and brother, Andrew Ross. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Christina Ross; daughters Callie Ross Garber (husband Matthew Garber) and Emma Ross; his siblings Shawn Ross (Tammy), Dana Ross Kelly (Shawn), and David Ross (Irene); his in-laws Stephen and Donna Higdon, Brad Higdon (Angie), and Matthew Higdon (Britta Lees); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Wayne was an employee of UMB Financial Corporation for thirteen years. He previously worked throughout the country as a computer programming consultant and at his own company, Application Outfitters. He was a committed member of Gideons International for over twenty-five years. His passions were serving in the children’s ministry programs at church, puzzles, games, and canoeing. He loved creating craft projects with the kids and setting up elaborate cardboard sets to decorate for Bible schools or for his daughters’ school events. He was always willing to help someone in need and had a servant's heart.

Receiving of friends will be held at Christ Community Evangelical Free Church, 14200 Kenneth Road, Leawood, Kansas 66224 on Tuesday, October 1st from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at the McBee Family Cemetery in Corryton, Tennessee at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Wayne’s memory to Johnson County Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Overland Park, Kansas; Fountain City Ministry Center of Knoxville, Tennessee; or Gideons International.