SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 174
In Memory
of
John Gooch
WHEREAS, John Addison Gooch of Marshall passed away on
February 3, 2021, at the age of 101, drawing to a close a long
life enriched by family, friends, and meaningful service to his
country; and
WHEREAS, Born in Marshall on November 4, 1919, to Eli and
Lillian Fair Epps Gooch, John Gooch grew up with the
companionship of four sisters, Essie Mae, Ruby, Bessie, and
Earlene; he was only seven years old when his father passed away,
and in order to help support the family, he left school after the
sixth grade to work his family's land; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gooch was drafted into the United States Army
on September 5, 1942; assigned to the 811th Engineer Battalion,
an all-Black engineering unit, he was deployed to U.S.-occupied
islands in the Pacific, where he was tasked with transporting
base construction materials; while in the military, he was
awarded an Atlantic Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze star
and a Good Conduct Medal, along with a Victory Ribbon, one
Service Stripe, and four Overseas Service Bars; he was honorably
discharged on November 22, 1945, at the rank of private first
class; and
WHEREAS, After returning stateside, Mr. Gooch worked at
the Marshall Brickyard until his retirement; he was beloved by
his fellow congregants at Greater Macedonia Baptist Church and by
his brothers at St. James Masonic Lodge No. 0112, where he had
been a member for over 70 years, and he was celebrated by his
community as a Hometown Hero on Veterans Day 2019; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gooch married his true love, the former
Mollie Mae Beal, on August 20, 1946; the couple raised three
children, Bernard, Judy, and Aretta, of whom he was deeply proud,
and he later welcomed into his family four grandchildren, Rodney,
Charita, Bernard, and the late Deon Jon Adams, as well as three
great-grandchildren, Vaneisha, Bernard, and Niya; a kind and
loving father and grandfather, he was also cherished by his
nieces and nephews, and he enjoyed sharing stories of his earlier
days and his time in the army with the younger generations; and
WHEREAS, John Gooch was a source of great inspiration to
all who were fortunate enough to know him, and he will forever be
remembered with deep affection and admiration; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the life of John Addison Gooch
and extend heartfelt sympathy to all those who mourn his passing;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of John Addison Gooch.
Hughes
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 22, 2021, by a
rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate