Lyle "Gene" Gooch

Lyle Eugene Gooch, age 79, of Marion, Illinois, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 8:03 p.m. at his home.

Gene was born on December 22, 1940 at his home in Spillertown, Illinois, the son of Lyle Veldon and Lillian Louise (Stroud) Gooch. He worked as a coal miner for many years.  He married Janet Fisher on May 28, 1960, in Marion, Illinois and she survives.

Gene was a member of the U.M.W.A., the First Church of God in Marion, Illinois, and loved to fish. He loved his family, and loved working at the Ambleside School, which was started by the First Church of God. He brought smiles to countless children while dressing up as Santa Clause. He was a wonderful husband and father, who loved his wife and children unconditionally, but most of all, Gene loved the Lord!

Survivors include his wife, Janet Gooch of Marion, Illinois; his daughter, Shelley (Mark) Walker of Marion, Illinois; his four sons, Stan (Katrina) Gooch, Darrin (Millie) Gooch, Scott Gooch and Tony (Kristi) Gooch, all of Marion, Illinois; two brothers, Mike Gooch of Golconda, Illinois and Tom (Barbara) Gooch of Crab Orchard, Illinois; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dennis Gooch; and one great-grandson, Darrin Scott White.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Church of God, Marion, on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. with Bro. Roy Pepmiller officiating.  A private burial will follow.

Visitation will be held at First Church of God on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Memorial donations may be made to Ambleside School and will be accepted at First Church of God the day of the service or by mail to Blue Funeral Home, P.O. Box 411, Marion, IL 62959.

Blue Funeral Home in Marion, Illinois is assisting the family with arrangements.