06/08/2026
Franklin "Frank" Gross, Jr.
Franklin "Frank" Gross, Jr., age 56, of Tippy Shores, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Born on August 24, 1969, Frank grew up in the local area and graduated from Culver Community High School with the Class of 1988. Following high school, Frank proudly served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army, a formative time that reinforced his deep sense of duty, hard work, and loyalty.
On January 11, 1999, he married the love of his life, Jackie Gross. Together, they built a beautiful life, home, and family over their 27 years of marriage, supporting each other through every twist and turn life brought to them. Whether facing life's unexpected hurdles or building a future together, Frank approached every challenge with his trademark, resilient "f*** it, we'll figure it out" process.
Frank was a man of immense drive and was currently dividing his time between two major passions: operating his own business, Frank's Garage, and working with the team at B&G Haulers. Known across the community for his honest work and sharp problem-solving skills, he brought that same resourceful mindset to every broken engine. His garage was more than just a repair shop; it was a gathering place where people brought their toughest mechanical problems, knowing Frank would always find a way to make things right.
Beyond his work, Frank was a true classic automotive enthusiast. He loved the thrill of the build, spending his time collecting, enjoying, and constantly planning future projects. His ultimate pride and joy was his 1970s Ford truck collection, an enduring favorite among his many creative plans and ideas that brought him endless happiness.
Frank’s heart was as big as his garage. While he was deeply proud of his own children, his door was always open to anyone who needed guidance. Over the years, he served as a dedicated mentor and father figure to many in the community. Through his patience, tough love, and practical wisdom, he taught life lessons that extended far beyond fixing cars, truly leaving his mark on many generations of local youth who looked up to him.
Frank's sudden departure leaves a profound void in the local community, but his grit, unique sense of humor, and generous spirit will be fondly remembered by all who visited his garage, worked alongside him, or saw him cruising by.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jackie Gross; and his beloved children: Amber Lewis of Marion, IN, Robert Lewis (Keisha) of Centerville, IN, and Shelby Gross, Drake Gross, and Daulton Gross, all of Tippy Shores, IN. He leaves behind several brothers and sisters who loved him. He also leaves behind the many young people he mentored and raised as his own, alongside numerous close friends, loyal customers, and neighbors who became like family over the years. Frank was preceded in death by his parents: Sandra "Sandy" Harness, Francis "Butch" Heater, and Franklin Gross, Sr.
Services & Gatherings:
A visitation to celebrate Frank's life and share cherished stories will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Winamac Chapel of Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory. Following the visitation, family and friends are invited to gather for a continued celebration of Frank's life at 3:00 p.m. at the Leiters Ford Community Center. Guests are welcome to bring food and drinks to support the gathering and share with family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made via Cash App to $lewis202285, or placed in the contribution container available during the viewing. You are also invited to share a favorite memory on the online guestbook at www.ransfuneralhomes.com to help create a lasting book of remembrance.
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