Bobby Gooch (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Bobby Gene Gooch, son of Floyd and Louise Eason Gooch, was born October 7, 1936, in Manila, Arkansas. He departed this life Thursday, March 2, 2017, in his home, near Phillipsburg, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, four months, and twenty-five days.
On August 8, 1968, he was united in marriage to Gwen R. Bangert, and to this union one daughter was born.
On February 14, 2005, he married Linda L. Osborne and they shared the last twelve years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Louis, J. L., and James Gooch; and two sisters, Barbara Goring, and Ruby Willis.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home; his former wife and friend, Gwen Gooch, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter, Vickie Waterman, and her husband, Matt, of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandsons, Robert Gooch, and his fiancée, Breanna, and Cole Waterman; a great-grandson, Mason; a sister, Edna Oderizzi, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
He was raised in Arkansas and St. Louis, and then entered the military as a young man. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army for twenty-one years, with three tours of duty in Germany and one in Vietnam. He retired from the Army on July 1, 1979 with the rank of First Sergeant. He then made his home in the Lebanon area, where he worked for M.F.A. for a few years. He was employed at Tracker Marine for several years, and also served as the manager of the Lebanon Moose Lodge.
Bobby was an active member of the V.F.W. Post # 4107 where he served as Post Commander from 2003 – 2004. He was also very involved in the V.F.W. Honor Guard program and served as their director for several years. He enjoyed visiting with his fellow V.F.W. members and doing things together. Bobby was very proud of his military service.
In his spare time he enjoyed bowling, dancing and listening to country music. He also liked taking care of his lawn with the help of his grandsons. His family was very dear to him and he especially loved having time with his grandsons and great-grandson.
Bobby was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered as a loving family man, a dedicated soldier, a hard worker and a patriotic citizen. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Memorial donations to the V.F.W. Post # 4107 may be made through the funeral home.
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