Joseph Gohn

On Thursday, Dec. 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 to Ed and May Littleton Gohn. Along with his brother and two sisters, his childhood revolved around life on the farm. He often recounted listening to his grandfather tell stories of the Civil War when it was necessary to hide livestock from the "marauders". He knew all the families who resided nearby and could recite the names of the young men from Neely's who played on Fruitland's state championship basketball team. 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. 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 Farmer's Insurance Co., while also co-owning Jackson Realty Co. and maintaining the family cattle farm. Throughout his 33-year career with Farmer's Insurance, he accrued a number of awards and recognitions, but most importantly, he helped countless families through difficult circumstances and always kept his word.

Joe was a voracious reader, absorbing the written word like a sponge. Until very recently, he read The Wall Street Journal and Southeast Missourian daily. When Joe's eyes failed him, Helen read the Southeast Missourian to him, front to back, every day.

Joe was an avid sports fan, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou Tigers. Joe also fervently supported local teams. He was a season ticket holder for Southeast Missouri State University basketball and for more than 30 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. He was a wonderful Papa who will forever be remembered with love and fondness by his kids and grandkids.

He was a former Optimist Club and Chamber of Commerce member in Jackson. He was a longtime member of New McKendree United Methodist Church.

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 Gohn of Jackson; two daughters, Terri (late Michael) Tomlin and Karen (Stu) Garrison of Jackson; daughter-in-law, Candy (late Mike) Gohn of Chimacum, Washington; five grandchildren, Emily Gohn, Greta Gohn (Chris Anderson), Josh (Susan) Tomlin, Zachary (Liz) Garrison and Hunter Garrison; four great-grandchildren, Sam Gohn-Barnhill and Noah, Graham and Jude Garrison; two stepgranddaughters, Michelle (Steven) Ross and Suzanne (Mark) Beall; sister, Mary Dell Frentzel of St. Peters, Missouri; sister-in-law, Hazel Masterson of Jackson; and several loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Mike Gohn; parents; son-in-law, Michael Tomlin; and two siblings, Hazel Duhaime and Donald Gohn.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Saint Francis Hospice for its compassionate care of Joe.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The Rev. Jimmie Corbin will conduct the funeral at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, 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 www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.