John 'Johnny' W. Gotch

John “Johnny” W. Gotch age 78 of Massillon, passed away Tuesday at Aultman Hospital. He was born in Massillon to the late Michael and Mary (Pellach) Gotch on August 15, 1930. He was a 1948 Washington High School graduate and a United States Army Veteran serving as a Master Sergant during the Korean Conflict. He retired from the Timken Company Gambranius Plant as a metallurgist. John was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Massillon, Massillon Senior Club, The Hill / Gang Association of South East Massillon, North Lawrence Fish and Game Club and several golf and bowling leagues. He enjoyed country music, sports and western movies starring John Wayne. John was never one to sit idle, he loved to travel with his family especially to Hawaii. He was a great cook and a “Jack of all trades.” In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his step father, Michael 'Shorty' Hiban; brothers, Michael and Donald Gotch; sisters, Mary Jane Krause and Elizabeth Knight. John is survived by his wife, Joyce M. (Jenkins) Gotch with whom he would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on June 5, 2009; son and daughter-in-law, Tom (Billie) Gotch of Richville; daughter, Michelle Gotch of the residence; sister, Helene Gotch of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren, Leesa Troxell and Gina Purdy; great grandchildren, Robbie and Jared Purdy and Kayla, Kassidy and Kyle Troxell. Funeral services celebrating John’s life will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Nancy Bacon officiating. Calling hours will be Friday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon and one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the church. Interment will follow the services at Newman’s Creek Cemetery in North Lawrence. Messages of support and sympathy may be made to the family at www.paquelet.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church Building Fund. Paquelet – Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330 – 833 - 3222