Thomas Earl Gooch was born March 12, 1959, in Water Valley, Mississippi to the late Wesley Sr. and Hazel (Gooch). He was a resident of Joliet, Illinois for many years. He departed this earthly life on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the age of 63 at Lightways Hospice surrounded by his loving family.
Thomas accepted Christ at an early age. He attended Joliet Township East High School where he graduated and soon after joined the Marine Corp. He was Honorably Discharged after four years of service as a Military Police, obtaining a Marksmanship Medal.
After returning from the Marines, Thomas continued his work as a Jewel Food Associate of 12 years total. Later in life he changed work paths to work at Titan Steel Corporation
Until her retired.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Sr. and Hazel Gooch; three brothers George D. Gooch, Johnny L Gooch Sr. and Charles Gooch; two sisters, Hazel L Gooch and Gladys M Gooch; five, nephews and two nieces.
Thomas leaves to cherish and celebrate his memory: his wife, Juliet Gooch of 35 years; his eldest daughter, Tulana McDonald of Iowa; two sons, Joseph Heath of Aurora and Jeremy Gooch (Angela) of Springfield; youngest daughter, Juanita Gooch of Joliet, IL; one godson, Adonis Lee; one brother, Wesley Jr (Maxine) Gooch; four sisters, Betty Gooch, Alice F. Gooch, Mary R Gooch and Sandra (Ronnie) Knight; two brothers-in-law, LaJonathan Hinton and Jason Hinton; ten grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. He also leaves a very dear brother, Victor Wright.
Thomas will be remembered by the name of 14 karat black gold because of his golden heart and his passion of working on automobiles and helping others.
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