Colonel  Kaye Wendell Gooch

Colonel Gooch is survived by his son Thomas Gooch of Kirkwood, Missouri, sister Lena (Arlyne) Roller of New Haven, Missouri, nephew Perrin Roller of Palestine, Texas, and step-daughters Margot Mezvinsky, Vera Ovadia, Elsa Smithgall and Eve (Evie) Mezvinsky of his late wife Myra (Micky) Shulman, other relatives, and friends.

Colonel Gooch was born on April 20, 1930, in New Haven, Missouri to the late Richard K. Gooch and Olga Hoelscher Gooch. He graduated from New Haven High School in 1948 and then the University of Missouri in 1952 where he received his undergraduate and master degrees.

Above all, he loved his country and made a career in the United States Army where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served from 1952 until 1978, retiring at the rank of Colonel.  He served tours in Germany, Turkey, Africa, Vietnam, and several U.S. stations. He continued his love of service to his country after retiring to the private sector by consulting for several government defense contractors.

Colonel Gooch loved farming, the countryside, birds, tennis and was a collector of coins, stamps and artwork.  He was preceded in death by an infant sister, his daughter Margaret C. Gooch, his parents and wife Myra (Micky) Shulman. He was a larger than life person and The Colonel will be greatly missed by all he touched.

Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at later date, which will be provided to all who wish to attend.

The family would like to thank the following individuals who worked on ensuring his comfort:

Hawa and James Kamara who lived at his residence. Hawa tirelessly provided loving care for him for the past 5 years, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. She was joined by her son James 2 years ago and they both were devoted and selfless in their attention to all his needs.

Tanya Walakovits with Compassion Care who was a trusted advisor for the past 3 years and also did everything possible to ensure his comfort.

Dr. John Cook was his primary care doctor and was always available at any hour to provide consultation or to visit personally.

Capital Caring, particularly Karen Frye who provided hospice services over the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the name of Colonel Kaye W. Gooch to his beloved alma mater the University of Missouri's Athletic Department, 1 Champions Drive Suite 200, Columbia, MO  65211