Robert “Bob” Goza, Jr

Robert "Bob" Goza Jr., age 90, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born January 5, 1926, north of Jackson, son of Robert and Nadine Criddle Goza Sr. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1943. Bob and Betty Hartle were married June 7, 1944 in Corning, Arkansas.

Bob was inducted into the US Army on June 9, 1944 and assigned to the 378th Anti-Tank Company. He served as a cannoneer in the Ardennes, Central Europe, and Rhineland, and was honorably discharged April 22, 1946.

When he returned home from service he worked for MFA, Jackson CO-OP Center, and Kasten Implement Company before working as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service over 23 years, retiring in 1986.

Bob and his wife Betty were members of the Order of Eastern Star in Jackson and served as Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron the same year.

He was also very active as a member of Excelsior Lodge #441 in Jackson, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite, Sword of Bunker Hill, American Legion Post 158 in Jackson, VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau, the 95th Infantry Association, Fraternal Order of Eagles #3319 in Sikeston, Mo, Cape Elks Lodge, and the National Letter Carriers Association.

Bob was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson,

He had lived his life and taught his family the motto: "time, patience, and perseverance shall overcome all things."

Loving survivors include his wife of over 72 years, Betty; three daughters, Barbara (Martin) Chemers of Capitola, CA, Becky (Joe) Looney of Klickitat, WA, and Brenda (Mark) Potratz of Festus; four grandchildren, Matt, Emily, Michael and Holden; five great grandchildren, Chase, Tysen, Hiro, Niko, and Zain; and one sister, Mattie (Bob) Clippard of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Anna Jean Woods and Ella Dee Jones.

The visitation will be from 3:30 to 7:30 pm, Tuesday, November 15th, 2016 at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. American Legion Post 158 will conduct a service at 6:00 pm Tuesday.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 16th, at the funeral home with the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating.

Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with full military honors.

The family suggests that contributions be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, or to the church or charity of donor's choice.