Obituary of Kenneth M. Goss

Kenneth M. Goss, 71 years of age, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, formerly of Durham, North Carolina, suddenly passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles R. Goss Sr and Dora Lee Goss and brother Donald Lee Goss. Kenneth is survived by his wife Linda C. Goss of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; his daughter Shelly Ruth Eller, of Raleigh, North Carolina; his brother, Charles R. Goss Jr. (Mary Ellen Goss) of Niceville, Florida; his step-daughters Samantha Neely (Anthony DiRe) and Jessica Duchon (Mathew Duchon); his grandchildren, Connor Eller, Riley Duchon and Wyatt Duchon; his dog, Rusty; and numerous, family members, friends, neighbors and former co-workers.

Ken was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1971.  He retired from Philips Healthcare where he was a Region Service Manager for North Carolina for many years.  Prior to Philips, he worked for Marconi Medical and Picker International.  Ken was loved by everyone.  Ken was a kind man who loved his wife, his family, his friends, his colleagues, his neighbors and, of course, his dog Rusty.  Ken was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, grew up in Danville, Virginia and fell in love with North Carolina.  He followed the love of his life, his beloved wife Linda, to Pennsylvania.

Ken hated the cold winters up north, but he loved his snow blower.  He kept his lawn and his car in perfect condition.  Ken loved his Coca Cola and kept Hershey's kisses within reach at all times.  Ken loved telling stories and could remember every detail no matter how small.  Whether you knew Ken for a moment, a few years or a lifetime, he truly made his mark on you.

Whether you called him Ken, Kenneth, Dad or Papa Ken, he made a difference in your life.   We will miss your smile, your laugh and your stories.  We love you.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 1:30 pm at the Epworth United Methodist Church located at 3002 Hope Valley Road, Durham, NC.  A reception will follow in the Church following the service so that family and friends can pay their respects to Ken’s family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ken’s name to the “Pets for Vets”.   At Pets for Vets, they pair and train dogs who have been in shelters with military veterans who have returned with physical and emotional injuries that have made it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Donations may be made by check payable to Pets for Vets, Inc., P. O. Box 10860, Wilmington, NC 28404.  They may also be made by credit card by using the “Donate” button on their website at www.petsforvets.com. Use the “special instructions to seller” field to include Kenneth Goss’s name and any greeting you may like to send.