Raymond Gooch

Raymond Forest Gooch, 93, of Evansville, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2015, at his son’s home surrounded by family. He was born February 22, 1922, in Howell, IN to the late Robert Oheron and Epsia (Taylor) Gooch.

He met L. Marie King of Taswell, IN while working at Mead Johnson whom he married on April 19, 1946. She, the love of his life, preceded him in death on January 21, 2013. Raymond was proud of his Howell heritage and was a noted football player during his high school years at Reitz. He was awarded the Dale Carnegie award for heroism for saving three of his high school friends during a boating accident while hunting ducks on the Ohio River. During WWII, he served in the Army as a paratrooper with the 101st and 82nd Airborne in Italy, France, and the European Theatre. He was battlefield promoted to Staff Sergeant at Bastogne, received 7 bronze stars and was honorably discharged in 1945. He then became a lifelong member of VFW Post #1114. After the war, he worked briefly at Mead Johnson then enjoyed a long career at Evansville Sheet Metal. He was a member of Simpson United Methodist Church. Raymond and his wife enjoyed bowling, playing clabber with long-time friends, fishing, camping, and boating on the Ohio River, Kentucky Lake and in Florida. He was an honest, kind and gentle man who was extremely fond of his children, grandchildren, and especially his great-grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, L. Marie (King); brothers, Ivan Stewart, Walter, Robert, Charles and Vego Gooch; and sisters, Sylvia Buckner, Mary Lou Billman and Sue Forbes.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet (Terry) Hatfield of Evansville and Kathy (Larry) Frey of Highland, IL; son, David (Lisa) Gooch of Evansville; grandchildren, Laura (Travis) Bradtmiller, Brady Gooch and Sarah and Nick Hatfield; step-children, Jeff and Stephanie Hatfield; great-grandchildren, Jayci, Kai, Piper and Jax Bradtmiller; step-great-grandson, Zack Hatfield; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Monday, September 21, 2015, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Pastor Dennis Adams, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Monday from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post #1114 or to Deaconess VNA Plus Home Care and Hospice. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.