Obituary

John Steven Gooch, 74, passed away after a long illness on May 14, 2025, at CAMC Memorial HospiceCare. The cause of death was metastatic lung cancer.

John was born on August 15, 1950, in Malden, West Virginia, the son of Helen Marie and Irvin D. Gooch. His parents and brother, Jack, preceded him in death.

John graduated with high honors from DuPont High School in 1968. He then attended West Virginia Institute of Technology, then served honorably as a Tanker in the United States Army National Guard during the Vietnam War.

A longtime resident of Charleston, West Virginia, John also lived for a time in Virgini Beach, Virginia, and in the Carolinas. He even toured the globe on The Carnival Cruise Lines. Although he earned his living in multiple ways over the years, in his last years he primarily worked as a painting contractor. John’s lifelong hobby was shooting pool at which he excelled, playing in multiple leagues over the years.

John was a loving son and brother and a dearly loved friend. He is missed by many.

A funeral service to honor John’s life and service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar, West Virginia, at which military honors will be rendered. If you are planning to attend, please arrive 15 minutes early.

Condolences may be shared at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.