Joe Gohn

On Thursday, December 21, 2023, Joseph David Gohn, 100, of Jackson, passed away peacefully after living a full and remarkable life. He was surrounded by a loving family, most especially his wife, Helen. Joe was born July 1, 1923, in Neely's Landing, Missouri, to Ed and May Littleton Gohn. Along with his brother and two sisters, his childhood revolved around life on the farm. As a young boy, Joe drove a team of mules, helped his father in the fields, and worked diligently on school assignments under the supervision of his mother, a gifted former teacher. He often recounted listening to his grandfather tell stories of the Civil War when it was necessary to hide livestock from the "marauders." Joe remembered when the first kerosene generator was installed in the cellar, magically powering electric lights and a small refrigerator, and the day indoor plumbing arrived, amazing neighboring children. He knew all the families who resided nearby and could recite the names of the young men from Neely's Landing who played on Fruitland's state championship basketball team and the ones who died at Pearl Harbor. Joe remained deeply connected to Neely's Landing and the people who lived there for the rest of his life. After graduating from Jackson High School in 1941, Joe joined the Merchant Marines as an engineer on an oil tanker. For the next few years, he crisscrossed the ocean in giant convoys carrying the fuel that would drive the Allies to ultimate victory. Along the way, he shipped out countless times from New York City, sailed through the Mediterranean, and docked in Italian and Greek harbors. This experience instilled a love of travel and a desire to see more of the world, which he would pursue later in life. Following the war, Joe delivered mail for the U.S. Postal Service throughout the city of St. Louis before returning home to Southeast Missouri. He worked as a wholesale distributor for Standard Oil for several years during which he developed a knack for sales. He soon opened his own business in Uptown Jackson, operating an agency for Farmers Insurance Company while also co-owning Jackson Realty Company and maintaining the family cattle farm. Joe's success in the business realm was the result of a tireless work ethic. He spent many evenings sitting at the kitchen tables of families who lived on far-flung country roads, navigating them through the process of insuring their homes. They trusted him because they knew him, and it was based on this model that he built a successful agency and became a pillar of the business community in Cape County. He retired only after passing on the business to his trusted son-in-law, Stu. Through his 33-year career with Farmer's Insurance Company, he accrued a number of awards and recognitions, but most importantly he helped countless families through difficult circumstances and always kept his word. On August 14, 1953, Joe made the most savvy move of his life when he married Helen Masterson. They settled in town and began building a beautiful family. Together, through 70 years of marriage, Joe and Helen attended Topper Club award banquets across the country, went whitewater rafting, rode camels beside Egyptian Pyramids, cruised around Alaska, walked through the ancient streets of Jerusalem, and made a lifetime of memories. Joe was immensely proud of his three children. With his son, Michael, he shared a love for the rolling hills and hollers surrounding the farm and he treasured their many phone calls and visits. His daughters, Terri and Karen, followed his lead by actively engaging and supporting the community and Jackson schools. Terri and Karen were never far from Joe's side and will always remember him as a hardworking, honest, and loving father. Joe was a voracious reader, absorbing the written word like a sponge. Until very recently, he read the Wall Street Journal and the Southeast Missourian daily. He subscribed to several journals and magazines as well. As a result, his mind remained razor-sharp. Though the war prevented college, Joe was something of an autodidact and possessed a profound intellect. He closely followed global trends, geo-political developments, the stock market, and all the box scores. He could effortlessly recite the names of world leaders, stock prices, and batting averages. When Joe's eyes failed him, Helen read the Southeast Missourian to him, front to back, every day. It is unknown what the St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou Tigers will do without Joe's constructive criticism and exhortation to improve a player's performance with a well-aimed kick from a "sharp-toed boot." But it's safe to say that the Cardinals and the Tigers lost one of their most steadfast fans. Joe also fervently supported local teams. He was a season ticket holder for Semo basketball and for over thirty years could be found in his reserved seat on the 50-yard line at Jackson High School football games. What brought Joe the most happiness, though, were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and Helen did everything in their power to help them succeed. This included rides home from school, trips to the farm, finding a first car, college expenses, dispensing wisdom and stories never to be forgotten, and the list goes on and on. His greatest joy came from sitting in his reading chair, a newspaper in his lap, watching a ballgame while the grandkids built wobbly block towers and arranged army men on the floor next to him. He was a wonderful Papa who will forever be remembered with love and fondness by his grandkids. Joe was a grower of tomatoes. He was a storyteller who knew how to embellish. He never complained about the accident that took all four fingers from his dominant right hand but instead quietly persevered. He was a former Optimist Club and Chamber of Commerce member in Jackson. He was a longtime member of New McKendree United Methodist Church. Finally, he quietly and without fanfare provided aid and support to those who needed it. It is difficult, if not impossible, to capture the life of such a man. Perhaps the greatest testament is the love and gratitude his family feels for him, both of which are immeasurable. Joe is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen of Jackson; two daughters, Terri (late Michael) Tomlin and Karen (Stu) Garrison of Jackson; a daughter-in-law, Candy (late Mike) Gohn of Chimacum, Washington; five grandchildren: Emily Gohn, Greta Gohn (Chris Anderson); Josh (Susan) Tomlin; Zachary (Liz) Garrison; Hunter Garrison; four great-grandchildren: Sam Gohn-Barnhill; Noah, Graham, and Jude Garrison; two step-granddaughters, Michelle (Steven) Ross and Suzanne (Mark) Beall; a sister, Mary Dell Frentzel of St. Peters, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Hazel Masterson of Jackson; and several loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Mike Gohn; a son-in-law, Michael Tomlin; his parents; and two siblings, Hazel Duhaime and Donald Gohn. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Saint Francis Hospice for their compassionate care of Joe. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The Rev. Jimmie Corbin will conduct the funeral service at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the funeral home. Military honors and interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson. If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests New McKendree United Methodist Church or the Jackson R-2 School Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Joe's obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome.com.

New McKendree United Methodist Church, Jackson, MO
225 S. High Street, Jackson MO 63755
Tel: 1-573-243-8487
Web: https://newmckendree.org/

Jackson R-2 School District Foundation
614 E Adams, Jackson MO 63755
Tel: 1-573-243-9501
Web: http://www.jacksonschoolfoundation.org/