Bobby Dale Gooch, 68, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, May 10, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bobby was born March 22, 1947 to Robert Gooch and Wathenia Constanz and again in 2012, as a believer of Jesus Christ.

Bobby graduated from Joplin Senior High School in 1966. He spent much of his youth at The Joplin Boys Club, where he excelled in boxing. Bobby won multiple Golden Gloves Championships in the fourstate area. He could often be found drinking coffee at McDonald’s early in the mornings before making his way to the fishing hole, hunting field or golf course. Bobby was a member of The Joplin Golf Club and spoke fondly of his time playing with the “noonies.”

Bobby spent his life in the service of others, beginning with service in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War, serving as a MP. He was a member of the Joplin Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer and paramedic. Bobby transferred to the Joplin Fire Department, where he continued to serve his community for 21 years, before retiring as a Driver/Engineer. He served as Vice President of the local chapter of the International Association of Firefighters and secretary of the Southwest Coalition of Firefighters for 8 years of his career.

Bobby is survived by his mother, Wathenia Constanz, and mother-in law, Virginia Baggerly, both of Joplin. His wife, Marlene Baggerly Gooch, a daughter, Krissy Gooch, his sons, Aaron Gooch and wife Julie, all of Joplin, and Brian Simonds, of Hasty, Colorado. Five grandchildren, Luke Loveall, Kaitlyn and Abigail Gooch, Breanna and Trysten Simonds. He is also survived by two sisters, Linda Ackerson and husband, Ron and Joyce Smith and husband, Mark. Bobby considered Ron Ackerson, David Grinder and Louie Gannon to be “brothers.”

Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Robert Gooch, and two sisters, his twin Brenda Anastopolis and Anita King.

A graveside service will be held at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery on Thursday, May 14th at 10:00 am. Members of the Joplin Fire and Police Department’s Honor Guards will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like everyone to send a happy thought Bobby’s way next time you drink a cup of coffee, cast a line, or tee off.

“The sorrow of the faithful is not that of permanent loss, but the tender sadness that comes in saying goodbye for now to someone we love.”

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.

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