David H. Gooch

David Harold Gooch passed away peacefully in his home in Pocatello, Idaho, on December 4, 2025, one day after his 88th birthday. He was born in Senath, Missouri on December 3, 1937, to David W. and Sylvia Gooch. He graduated from Placer Union High School in Auburn, California, in 1956, and went on to earn an Associates from Sierra College in 1959.

Shortly after graduating with his associates, he began working at Aerojet General Corporation in Auburn, California. From there he worked various jobs until eventually moving to Idaho to start a new life. He began working for Westinghouse Electric at the Idaho National Laboratory, Nuclear Reactor Facilities Division in 1967, and worked there until he retired in 1997.

David lived an exceptionally full life with a tenacious spirit, a love of the outdoors, and drive for adventure. From paving some of the first roads in Yellowstone National Park, driving cattle and panning for gold in the mountain ranges of California, deep sea fishing off the coast of Oregon, king salmon fishing the heart of Alaska, hunting giant elk in the peaks of Idaho, and touring the world up into his 80’s – David loved to experience everything this world had to offer him.

When he wasn’t off on an adventure, David devoured books and had a never ending desire to learn. An avid reader, he consumed books about history, wars, government, and science – with a special love of westerns. It was rare to discuss a topic of history or government that he wasn’t knowledgeable on. His love of learning and history was passed down to his family and many gatherings were spent in long, open dialogues regarding everything from the events of the Civil War to current world events.

David was preceded in death by his parents, David William Gooch and Sylvia Gooch, his wife Bonnie Gooch, and stepson Clay Call. He is survived by two sisters, Gail Gould and Shirley Silva (George), his partner Karen Behning, and his seven daughters: Lori Frasure (Richard), Jane Jensen, Joan Howard (Bill), Kristi Olson, Stefani DeLeonard, Lori Call, and Tami Hicks; as well as 11 children and 9 great-grandchildren.

David was a loved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, partner, and friend. He will be missed greatly by many, and the world will be forever affected from his time here.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Grove City Cemetery, under direction of the Hawker Funeral Home.