Ross Gregory

Gregory, Ross Portage Entered into his heavenly home on February 10, 2017 due to the effects of vascular dementia. He was born in Montgomery, IN, a rural area south of Indianapolis, on February 11, 1933. He was one of six sons born to Norrill and Bertha (Jones) Gregory. In 1954 he was drafted into the United States Army at the close of Korean War and spent his tour of duty in Europe. After his discharge, Ross took advantage of the G.I. Bill and earned a B.A., M.A and PhD at Indiana University. In 1962 he entered into marriage with Shirley Ann Heines, a Hoosier from Evansville, IN. Together they enjoyed fifty-four years of marriage and had three children, Theresa Rayman, Graham Gregory and Darren Gregory; and one granddaughter, Danielle Rayman, who all survive him. Also surviving are his brother, Hayden (Linda) Gregory of Washington D.C. and Jerry (Linda) Gregory of Bloomington, IN; and nieces, nephews and families of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three older brothers, Dick Gregory, Philip Gregory and Joe Gregory all of Chicago. After his first teaching job West Virginia Institute of Technology, Dr. Gregory was hired by Western Michigan University as Assistant Professor of History. His field of specialization was 20th Century American History, American Diplomatic History and Modern East Asian History. Teaching history was his highlight, but his heart was in research and writing. He produced five books during his career which included: Almanacs of American Life (2), America 1941-A Nation at the Crossroads, The Origins of American Intervention in the First World War and Walter Hines Page-Ambassador to the Court of St. James. He was heavily involved in the U.S. History Departments Graduate Program and committees. At the top of the list of his accomplishments is his love of his family. He was a kind, soft-spoken husband and father and is beloved by his wife, children and granddaughter. He was active in sports with his children and was Little League manager of their team. Sports, especially baseball, was a wonderful way of life with his brothers and he almost came to Western Michigan University on a baseball scholarship before the G.I. Bill. Indiana basketball and Cincinnati Reds baseball were his favorite teams. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The funeral service will be held at the funeral chapel at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 16th, where friends may visit with the family from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service. Pastor Bill Abernathy, of Berean Baptist Church, will officiate with interment in Portage Central Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Berean Baptist Church or the . Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the online guest book or leave condolences to the family.