Ross O. McClure

Ross O. McClure 88, of Fort Lauderdale, he was born April 17, 1924, the second and youngest son of George and Mayme McClure of Harrison, Ohio, who proceeded him in death. Ross Passed away peacefully on September 23, 2012 at 8:00AM. He is survived by his close friends Bob Miller and Don Bein who were extremely important to him, Niece: Donna Kinnett, Nephews: Ray McClure and Robert McClure and their spouses. He attended the Harrison School District, graduating May 21, 1942, and then he attended Miami University and quickly enlisted in the Army Air Corp in September of 1942. Ross was assigned to the 349th squadron of the 100th bomb group 8th Air Force as a navigator, Ross and nine other young men were assigned to a B-17 bomber named Captain Crow and proceeded to fly 14 missions over a variety of targets. On his 15th mission, which left on May 12, 1944, The crew of the Captain Crow went to Brux, Czechoslovakia were they successfully completed there mission. While returning they were hit by flak and were forced to bail out, Nine out of ten crew members escaped the aircraft and were captured and spent the remaining time as POWs. Ross was liberated April 29, 1945 at Mossberg, Germany. He received the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal; he was discharged in October 1945. When Ross returned home he entered Ohio State University completing his degree and graduating in1948. After graduation Ross joined Rike’s department store in Dayton, Ohio, beginning his professional career. He progressed through numerous positions of increasing responsibility at Rike’s. During this time he traveled extensively to New York, California and Europe. He learned to love the experience. He resigned from Rike’s in March 15, 1969 as Division VP and general merchandising Manager after 21 years in the fashion industry. He then opened an exclusive fashion store for women called Zapoleans and continued to travel and operate his business successfully. Upon retiring and moving to Ft. Lauderdale, he went on to travel to far and exciting places. Ross enjoyed his many friends and family and was always a generous host, friend and Uncle. Ross was loved by many and will be missed by all. His legacy will be to all those he touched and he was an excellent representative of the greatest generation. A graveside Service with military honors will be held at Glenn Haven Cemetery, Harrison Ohio on October 6, 2012 at 11:00 AM. In Lieu of Flowers donations can be made to “Wounded Warrior Project”. Wounded warrior project .org/donate. On line condolences can be made at edkalis.com. Arrangements entrusted to Edwards Cremation & Funeral Services, Wilton Manors.