Michael K. Ross

Michael Kevin Ross (63) of Kansas City, MO passed away on Saturday April 18, 2026, at the University Health Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.

Michael was born on October 8, 1962, in Kansas City, MO to Willie Ross Jr. and Maxine Willis-Ross and spent his childhood amongst the 57th Euclid Ave. community. A product of the Kansas City Public School system, he was a 1981 graduate of Southeast High School. Michael is most-widely remembered as a talented lead and bass guitar player and member of the Grand Jury Band. Many can fondly recall the band’s memorable performances at “Knight Lites”, a Southeast High School social event.

In the early 80’s, Michael made the decision to leave the band after answering the call to Christ. He and his family made the move to Liberty, MO and joined the United Pentecostal Church. Michael served the church faithfully - playing a vital role in their music and outreach ministries. Michael’s musical talent presented him with many opportunities, playing for the likes of top gospel artists such as Daryl Coley and appearing on recordings for the United Pentecostal Church in Liberty, MO and the Metropolitan Spiritual Church of Christ in Kansas City, MO.

Michael had a background in information technology and worked in the field for many years. He was CompTIA A+ certified and earned the GFL (Good for Life) status. He also loved and found importance in entrepreneurship, having developed several nonprofits as well as tax preparation and investment businesses. His personal passions included fishing, building model cars and planes, history, photography and learning about the world at large and the people in it as he had never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Willie Jr. and Maxine Willis-Ross, two sisters: Taymanee D. Ross and Sherron K. Ross-Jones and one brother: Darren L. Ross. He is survived by one sister: Reverend Dr. Eraina Aseme (Patrick), two daughters: Candice Y. Thornton and Cassandra D. Ross, five grandchildren: Madison Thornton, Jason Scurry Jr. Justin Scurry, Roderick Thornton IV and Langston Thornton and a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.