LARNED — Terry Ray Gross, 72, of Larned, Kan., passed away May 1st, 2021 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. 

Terry was born on June 30th, 1948, in Warrensburg, Mo., to Leonard and Carol (Gowin) Gross. He graduated from Larned High School in 1966, then attended Fort Hays State University for his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in American History. In 1970, Terry married Joleen Wirtz. They had two children, Chris and Tracy. He attended law school at Washburn University after his children were born. From there he moved back to his hometown of Larned and became County Attorney. After 13 years in that position Terry was offered a job as Assistant Attorney General of Kansas by Carla Stovall. He spent years prosecuting sexual predators throughout Kansas. Among his credits in that position, he took his program, the Sexually Violent Predators Act, to the Supreme Court in Washington DC and won, keeping violent offenders off the streets after prison terms are finished. After leaving Kansas, he transferred to Missouri and held the same position there until his retirement. 

Throughout his life, Terry was an avid golfer, bowler, fisherman, hunter, and Harley rider. He loved everything Wildcats, Chiefs, and Royals. He enjoyed watching old westerns, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Carol Gross; and his son, Chris Gross. He is survived by his brother Tim (Connie) Gross; his sister Maryl(Mike) Chain; his daughter Tracy Byrd; four grandchildren, Jordan Byrd, Avery Byrd, Wyland Byrd, and Clayton Stonebarger; one great granddaughter, Lucinda Byrd; and his fiancé, Phyllis Zook.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 30, 2021