W.K. Gossard

W. K. "Ken" Gossard, age 89, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 25, 2013 following a vigilant fight with COPD for many years. He was born on April 29, 1923 in Akron, OH to the late Maurice and Pearl Gossard.

Ken was in CCC in Utah from 1939 to 1940 and had 42 years of continuous service at Sohio & Coastal Industries. After retirement, Ken and MaryEtta traveled to Florida for many winters in their motor home. Their daughter, Betsy, always made sure that Dad and Mom were well taken care of. Ken was a 60 year member of Masonic Order, a 32nd Degree Mason, in Clinton Elliott Lodge #47 F&AM and Yusef Khan Grotto over 50 years. "A special thanks to my very good friend, Terry Gossard, who took care of me during my illness." Special thanks to Dr. Walter Klatt for the excellent care provided.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, MaryEtta (Swickard) and daughter, Rebecca Jain Gossard in 1947. Survived by son, James (Christine) Gossard of Green, OH; daughters, Cheryl (Keith) Reed of Green, OH and Betsy (Bill Leitzell) Gossard of Akron, OH; grandsons, Jeff and Mike Gossard; special lady and niece, Terry Gossard; sister, Ruth Freshwaters of Cuyahoga Falls, OH; many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call 5-8 PM on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44305. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the funeral home officiated by Pastor Don Rohrbacher. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, April 1, 2013 at Lakewood Cemetery in Akron. Memorial contributions in Ken's memory may be made to Hospice Visiting Nurse Service, 3358 Ridgewood Rd, Akron, OH 44333.