Mr. Charles W. Ross

1 John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” Funeral services will be held privately on August 28, 2021 for Mr. Charles W. Ross, 88. The family requests visiting hours be observed on Saturday, August 28, 2021. Mr. Ross will lie “In state” from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at Opelousas Civic Center, 1638 Creswell Ln Ext, Opelousas, LA. *ALL ATTENDEES MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED TO ATTEND. ***ADHERENCE TO STATE MANDATES FOR MASK OR FACE COVERINGS MUST BE OBSERVED*** In lieu of floral the family requests that contributions be made to the church home Mr. Ross was devoted to and loved dearly, St. Mark United Methodist Church, 534 S. Market Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337)948-8537 Interment will be in Bellevue Memorial Park. On August 22, 2021, our lives forever changed. It is with inconsolable grief and enduring sadness that we announce the passing of the patriarch of our family. Our father, Charles W. Ross was born on July 2, 1933, the only child of Beatrice Mantell. He began life on South Street, a section of town referred to as "The Hill", the community that he cherished and devoted a life of service to. His education began at Opelousas Training Academy in 1938. Upon completing elementary school, he attended Holy Ghost, where he graduated in 1951. Following high school, he attended Southern University in Baton Rouge for two years. In 1953 he enlisted into the United States Army and served two years before being honorably discharged. Upon returning home he married his high school sweetheart Wilda Mae Alsandor who he remained married to until his passing. He returned to Southern University and graduated with a degree in elementary and secondary education. He later acquired a master's degree from Southern in guidance and counseling. Dad began a lifelong commitment to public service upon graduating from Southern. His teaching career began at Dunbar High School and culminated as Principal of East Junior High after a 40-year career. During that 40-year career, he served on countless boards including; St. Landry Parish Credit Union, Opelousas Catholic School Board, local Veterans Administration to name a few. Upon retiring from the school system, he was hired as the city's Administrative Assistant under Mayor John Joseph. He jumped into the political arena and was elected school board member representing District 2. He served 4 terms and retired only 3 years ago in 2018 at the young age of 85! Through those 20 plus years, he continued to publicly serve in a host of rolls in addition to those named above, such as CASA board member and Lay Leader of his beloved St. Mark United Methodist Church. Daddy's involvement in public service began to wane in 2018 as dementia began robbing him of who he truly was. At one of his final public speaking events in 2018, he recognized what was happening to him and like all challenges he faced throughout his life, he kept it in perspective; was very appreciative to God for sustaining him thus far, and described his condition as such, "We accumulate all these memories and as you age, there are many that you can't access the moment you'd like to. It's like they're put in a bank's safety deposit box and you know they're there although you don't have the key to access or get them out". Most of you know our Father through his many contributions and achievements in public service. What most aren't aware of was his dedication and complete responsibility to the welfare of his family! He was a devoted husband to our Mom who quietly worked behind the scenes to make sure he was well prepared on every level to focus on these many callings. As I recall during one stretch of our school years he worked 2 full-time jobs in order for our Mother to focus on us and the many household/school/sports responsibilities that accompany raising 4 sons. A counselor at Washington High School from 7am to 3pm, rushed home for a quick bite in order to make it to his 2nd full-time job from 4pm to 11pm at St. Landry Juvenile Services where he mentored wayward youth. Although despite his rigorous schedule, he never missed a school meeting or sporting event for either of his children. He did this for multiple years without ever uttering a complaint. What a Man!!! He made sure we would become responsible, God-loving adults, and we thank you for that Dad! The final year of his life was definitely the most challenging. Due to the unfortunate and rampant spread of covid, we were forced to move/isolate both he and our mother from their lifelong residence on Melancon St. to our larger-than-life brother's home, Glenn Ross! This actually was completely counter to his gregarious nature. However, even in his final days, he never lost his quick wit and humorous side. Although his ultimate demise was unrelated to covid, we feel the responsibility to a say few words regarding its effect on our family and the community. He was admitted to Opelousas General Hospital Emergency on Friday 8/20, passing away on Sunday 8/22 without ever being transferred to a private room. No rooms were available, all filled with COVID patients. Please advise your family and friends of the necessity to get vaccinated, wear masks, and follow all CDC recommended protocols in order to end this pandemic that has ravished our society, shortened lives, and caused undue stress on families like ours. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Wilda Mae Ross, 4 sons, Farley Glenn Ross (LaVerne -deceased), Kevin M. Ross (Lori), Dwayne J. Ross (Maria) and Charles M. Ross (Monica). Grandchildren, Kerrie N. Taylor (Melvin), Sydney P. Ross, Jonathan Ross, Kevin Charles Ross (Cristo), Kai M. Ross, Charles M. Ross Jr. and Chloe M. Ross. Two great-grandchildren, Melvin Taylor Jr., aka Lil Mel and Princeton Ross. A host of nieces and nephews, Robin Alsandor, James Jai Alsandor, Davonia Alsandor, Danielle Alsandor, and Gerard Alsandor. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother Beatrice Mantell, daughter-in-law, Laverne Ross, and grandson Glenn M. Ross. Daddy aka, (Papa, Charlie, Mr. Ross) will be dearly missed beyond comprehension. We rest assured that he's in heaven smiling down on us as we honor him for a life well-lived. Thanks Daddy!!! Share words of comfort with the family of Mr. Charles W. Ross on his Permanent Life Tribute Page at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net. Final arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 817 E. South Street, Opelousas, LA, 337-942-2037.

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Mr. Charles W. Ross

July 2, 1933 - August 22, 2021