Danny Gross

Daniel Leon Gross, or Danny to his family and friends, was born on July 31st, 1944, in Emmaus, PA the son of Clarence and Betty (Miller) Gross. He grew up with one brother and one sister, Ben and Jane. He had a lifelong love of all things classic car and big rigs. Following school, he was enlisted into the United States Army where he was stationed with the First Battalion of Company C out of Ft. Hood Texas. He was awarded the Expert Rifle, Expert Pistol, and Rifle Marksman to name a few. He was honorably discharged on September 15th, 1964, and returned to his family. He was a truck driver by trade and was the recipient of the prestigious Million Mile No Accident Ring. He was also the owner of the Iron Spoke Truck Corral in Woodall for over 47 years. He married Marilyn Dale (Ritchie) Gross. Together they raised a family of three sons and one daughter, Danny Padgett, Daniel L. Gross II, Tony Padgett, and Lorry Baird. Any down time was spent with his buddies and brothers of 2nd Armored Group, “Hell On Wheels” and the American Legion Post 50. He liked drag racing with Wayne and Jane, and they often camped and traveled around together. He loved camping, fishing, bike riding and loved a BMW and a road worthy Honda Goldwing. He collected classic cars and built them, and as long as you didn’t drive a Chevy, (Danny preferred Dodge), he would talk your leg off. It was while he was living in Woodall that he started the Woodall Fire Dept in 1981, and proudly served as Chief for the next five years. He was ornery but would go the extra mile to help anyone that needed him. He loved his children and his grandchildren, he boasted of 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. He loved people and it showed, he could talk with anyone. The American Legion Post 50 were extensions of his family, and he loved them more than life itself. He passed from this life unto the next on Friday November 15th, 2024 in Muskogee, OK, surrounded by the people who loved him He was 80 years old and will not be forgotten.

Danny is preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother and father, and one brother, Ben Gross.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Danny Padgett and wife Lorrie of Verden, OK, Daniel L. Gross II and wife Marsha of Tahlequah, OK and Tony Padgett also of Tahlequah. He leaves his daughter Lorry Baird and husband Bob of Stilwell, OK. He also leaves his sister, Jane Raimer and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones. A very special thank you to all the American Legion Post 50 Family, for all the years of fun and friendship we have shared.

Graveside services for Daniel “Danny” Gross will be conducted on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Sam Dunn officiating. His family will receive guests on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 beginning at 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Danny Padget, Tony Padget, Jimbo Savage, Jake Colburn, Danny Gross II, and Wayne Raimer.