At 7:30 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2016, the gates of Heaven swung wide and Pat Ross Persell walked into the open arms of the Lord and Savior he had faithfully served all his life.

Pat was born to his beloved parents, Lily and Sam (who preceded him in death), on May 24, 1936. He proudly served his country as a Marine during the Korean War. He was a member of the Kansas City Meat Cutters District Union Local 2 for 30 years. Twenty-nine years ago he met, fell in love with, and married our Mother, and became the most amazing Dad to Leanna Holdgraf (Maurice) of Kansas City, Marcie Crittenden of Wagoner Okla., and Max Chrisman of Chouteau, Okla. He leaves behind a chorus of grandchildren who loved him dearly, Kara Butler (Chuck), Christopher Chrisman, Cassie and Cody Chrisman, Alex Crittenden, Matthew Burnett (Rhonda), Luke Hively, Faith Ann and Billy Butler, Bill, Butch, and Michael Chrisman. He also leaves behind numerous great grandchildren, and four great grandsons who will never forget him.

Pat loved his life, and his singular mission was to love and care for his wife, JoAnn. They were the sweetest, most fun loving couple ever. He loved to eat chine bones from Garozzos and Italian Sausage from Scimeca's. A highlight of his life was a trip to the Holy Land with his wife some years ago. He would scream at the television while watching NASCAR races, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals games, and political debates with my Mother. He was a devout Christian and we dare not begin a meal either at home or at a restaurant without first holding hands and offering a prayer of thanksgiving. . . .out loud, not to ourselves. He liked to play Dominoes and Yahtzee. He loved his cat, Little Kitty, who appeared on his front porch a few years ago as a scruffy homeless stray, and he and my Mother groomed to become a beautiful, tame and loving house pet. He and Mother were Eucharistic Ministers at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Kansas City.

Please join us in a celebration of this wonderful man's life at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City. Visitation 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Passantino Bros. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Ross and Richard Forte, Chuck and Billy Butler, and Cody and Butch Chrisman.