R. Douglas Gross

R. Douglas Gross, "DOUG" was born on January 4, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri. At the age of 83, he went to be with the Lord, on April 10, 2018. He was the son of John Calvin and Virginia (Ball) Gross.

Throughout his 64-year working career, Doug was a true entrepreneur and was willing to take any risk necessary to succeed in life. In 1986, his business philosophy and acumen (Business Savvy) lead him to become the founder and owner of World Outdoor Emporium. Over the years, Doug's business continued to grow serving contractors and homeowners alike in the greater St. Charles and St. Louis counties. "The Emporium" now encompasses over twenty acres (7 in St. Charles and 16 Acres in Wentzville) of landscape and hardscape special feature displays, landscaping products and greenhouses full of live plants and trees.

For his primary education, Doug attended and graduated from Country Day School or "MICDS". Later, Doug was the Director of the St. Louis District Junior Wightman and Davis Cup Tennis squads. However, Doug's true passion and hobby was Life! He consumed each day and lived it to its fullest.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents John Calvin & Virginia (Ball) Gross, and his brother John Calvin Gross, Jr. He is Survived by his brother Edward "Ned" Charles (Betty)Gross, who reside in Sarasota, FL; sister- in-law, Norma S. Gross; his son, Brett (Erika) Jensen; niece, Trish Merklin; best friend, Pat (Ashley) Sneed; nieces, Liz Ann Banta, Cathy (George) Galindo, Julie (Clint) Hodgson and his nephew, John C.(Gladys) Gross III. He is also survived by, Amy Jensen (Quintin) Coe, Nikki (Bobby Bextermueller)Jensen and beautiful grandchildren, Rylen, Britton, Kayla, Reese, Finley, Mackenzie, Robert and Jackson. Assorted other great nieces and nephews and many other children who held a special place in Doug's heart.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 16, 2018, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. and Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 5:00- 8:00 pm. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions located at 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 11:00 am at Newcomers with Pastor Tony Latham officiating. Burial will follow at St. Charles Memorial Gardens.

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