Donald Gough Obituary

Donald E. "Don" Gough, 83 years of age, of Perry, MO, formally of Monroe City, MO, passed away surrounded by family at his home on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Don's family will greet friends at a visitation on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a celebration of life service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the New Oakland Baptist Church in Monroe City, MO. Pastor Glenn Hammond will officiate. The family has entrusted the O'Donnell-Thurman Life Celebration Home in Monroe City, MO with funeral arrangements. Don was born on August 25, 1941, in Lakenan, MO, the eldest child to Loren and Alberta (Hinson) Gough. On March 18, 1961, Don was united in marriage to Martha Schwanke in Rensselear, MO and to this union two sons were born: Jerry and Terry. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William "Little Bill" Gough. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Martha; two sons: Jerry (Bonnie Kennedy) Gough of Plattsmouth, NE and Terry (Patty) Gough of Morning Sun, IA; one brother: Robert "Bob" (Mary) Gough of Hannibal, MO; two sisters: Carolyn (Richard) McPike of Gladstone, MO and Marilyn (Henry) Lancaster of Independence, MO; grandchildren: Rachael (Scott) Golden, Ashley (Jake) Bauer, Sarah (Ryder) Sieh, Christy Michele (Atiba) Humphrey, Chad (Brandy) Stephens; great-grandchildren: Elijah, Kya, Ryder, Ruelle, and Alyssa; and numerous step-siblings, nieces and nephews. Don began his career as a farmer for Ivan Lehenbauer, he then worked at Central Stone, became the manager of a furniture store, later Don would oversee operations as the Farm Elevator Manager at Double Circle Co-op and Farmland. Don's knowledge and skills further extended to his role as a Livestock Feed Specialist for Farmland, retiring in 2001. Don's life was far more than his professional pursuits; he had a diverse array of interests. A collector at heart; he treasured coins, knives, marbles, green Mason jars, lanterns, and belt buckles from the Fort Madison rodeo. Don found joy in the great outdoors, fishing, hunting- fox, coyote, raccoon, pheasant, rabbit, and deer. Camping was something he enjoyed doing with Martha, family, and friends; what started out as open tent camping, Don eventually settling into campers and motorhomes. Don enjoyed many different sports, golf, bowling, and softball were among some of his favorites. Sports were a life long passion for him, he was proud to have played and coached fast pitch, continuing his passion for athletics since his high school and college sports. Don raised mules, coon and fox hounds. He had a sweet tooth; peach tea and homemade pies were a couple of his favorites. He also enjoyed fish and prime rib. Don understood the importance of mentoring the younger generations and his service shone through by judging 4-H and livestock shows, always ready to lend a hand and share his knowledge with aspiring 4-H children. Don also served as a Cub Scout Leader. A born salesman, Don's outgoing nature and orneriness, will be missed. His famous sayings, "Ain't that something" and "So anyway" were just as much a part of who he was as his warm smile and friendly personality. Thanksgiving was a special time for Don, where he upheld the tradition of opening the doors of their home to those attending the military academy in Mexico, MO. Don was a devoted family man, and devoted countless hours to different church activities. Don was a member of New Oakland Baptist Church at the time of his passing. Don and Martha wintered in Mission, TX, along the Rio Grande River before making Perry their year-round home. Don enjoyed western tv shows, some of his favorites being: "The Man From Snowy River," "Lonesome Dove," "Grizzly Adams" and Tom Selleck movies. Some of Don's favorite music was that of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Jelly Roll. Don will be dearly remembered and greatly missed by the countless lives he touched with his gentle spirit and unending kindness. Honorary Pallbearers will be Scott Golden, Jake Bauer, Chad Stephens, Atiba Humphrey, and Ryder Sieh. A memorial has been established in Don's memory and can be made to the Monroe City Hometown Volunteers, "Christmas in Caring" program. Expressions of caring and kindness can be left to Don's family at www.odonnellthurman.com.