Gooch Philips, 85 years, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away at the home on March 16th, 2012. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 22nd, at 11:00 a.m. at the Village Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Village Presbyterian Church; American Diabetes Association, 10580 Barkley, Suite 400, Overland Park, Kansas 66212; or the MS Society, 7611 State Line Road, Suite 100, Kansas City, Missouri 64114. Gooch was born November 2nd, 1926, at the family home in Lawrence, Kansas, son of Oliver Gooch Phillips, Sr. and E. Murl Dunn Phillips. He later moved to Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Central High School in 1944. Gooch enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in California and Hawaii as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class. He then enrolled in the University of Kansas. Gooch reported back to active duty during the Korean War and served one more year. Gooch was married to Frances K. Kircher in March of 1948, they had three daughters. He is survived by daughters Sandra (Carlis) Callahan and Debbie (Larry) Smith; four grandchildren Jim (Renee) Callahan, Michael Callahan, Jason (Lindsey) Smith, Amanda (James) Weihe; and one great-granddaughter Isabel Callahan. He was preceded in death by his wife after 64 years of marriage and one daughter Dena Kaye. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He co-founded Gooch Brake & Equipment in 1961. Gooch was a member of the Order of DeMolay, Mother Chapter, Ivanhoe-Temple later joining the Masons Blue Lodge #153 A.F.&A.M., where he became the Chapter Advisor, and in 1957 was awarded the Legion of Honor at Emporia, Kansas. Gooch was a member of Old Mission Lodge O.E.S. #491 Past Patron, as well as life member of Scottish-Rite of Free Masonry. He was a life member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Gooch was a charter member and Past President of the Council of Fleet Specialist. He retired from Gooch Brake & Equipment in 2004. He was a devoted member to the Village Church serving terms as Deacon, Elder and many years as an usher. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.
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