Robert Thomas Ross, age 87, Springfield, Missouri passed away on February 6, 2022. Robert retired from Dayco after 35 years of service where he served as president of the United Rubber Workers Local 662 for 28 years. He also formally served as vice president and secretary of the Springfield Labor Counsel and on the International AFL-CIO Labor Board. Robert was born in Morrisville, Missouri on November 25, 1934 and graduated from Fair Play High School at the age of 16 and obtained his associate degree from Southwest Baptist College.  In 1954, he moved to Kansas City where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Ross (nee Starner).  Robert and Dorothy were married in 1956 and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. From this union, four children were born. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Vesta Ross, his son, Robert Edward Ross, sister Leota Recknor, and sister Lucille Sell.  Robert is survived by his wife, Dorothy, daughter-in-law Margie Ross, daughter Karen Ross, daughter Diana Cunningham (Lloyd), daughter Shelly Dreyer (Mark), and sister Marvena Hall.  Robert found great joy in his grandchildren Robert James Ross, Misty Philipp, Ashley Cunningham Kauppila, Lindsey Cunningham, Marley Dreyer, and great grandchildren Josh Philipp, Jessica Philipp, Isaiah Ross, Ewan Ross, and Grace Kauppila and great-great grandchildren Nova Philipp and Vega Philipp.

Robert was baptized in a creek near Fair Play, Missouri at the age of 13 and was a member of Grandview Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri and loved his church family. He loved antique cars and was a long term member of the Model A Car Club and was a member and past president of the Vintage Car Club.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 11, 2022, at Grandview Baptist Church, Springfield, MO.  Burial will follow at Morrisville cemetery, Morrisville, MO. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. before services at the church.