Maurice D. Gooch Obituary (1950

MAURICE D. GOOCH, age 73, was born to the Late Alfred C. Gooch and Frances M. L. Jones on Saturday, December 9, 1950 in Evansville, Indiana. He transitioned to his eternal home on Thursday, November 28, 2024. In addition to his parents, Maurice was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Black and his twin brother Melvin Gooch. At an early age, Maurice's family moved to Columbus, Ohio where he first attended Kent Elementary School. However, because a bridge was being built, Maurice and his siblings had to transfer to Ohio Elementary School. From there he went on to Roosevelt Junior High School and then completed his formal education by graduating from East High School. Maurice accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at a young age. He was taken to church by his mother along with the rest of the family. They were taught and always knew that Jesus was the one Who provided their family with all things. Maurice began his working career at Worktop of the Center Restaurant. From there he began working at the Cellar Bakery on East Long Street in downtown Columbus, where he worked for several years. Maurice later moved to Laurel, Maryland where he lived with his sister, Margaret and his niece Francera. During times of distress in Baltimore, his mother Frances, would put Maurice on the bus to go and stay with his niece Francera. Maurice spent so much time in Baltimore with Francera, it became a second home to him and he became acquainted with the friends and church friends there of his nieces. After living in Maryland for a short period of time, he moved back to Columbus, Ohio to help his mother in their family bakery named Lucks Bakery which was located in the 1400 block of East Long Street. Maurice loved to cook and bake and he learned so much from his mom. They could always be found reading a cookbook or watching a cooking show. His friend, Jackie worked with him providing the catering service from the bakery. Maurice was well known for his sweet potato and pumpkin pies and his delicious cookies. Most importantly, he made the best pound cakes ever and always made a cake or two to send back to Baltimore with his niece, Francera. Well, Baltimore Family, Francera will no longer be able to get those good pound cakes from Uncle Maurice in Columbus. Following the closing of the bakery, Maurice worked at seasonal jobs at the Ohio State Fair for several years. At some point, Maurice would do hair to make a few dollars. He was famous for the large collection of caps he had and always wore on his head. Maurice's health began to fail him and since he could no longer work, he would bake cakes from home to sell. He also indulged in a little wine making following a recipe from Indiana using peaches, cherries and sake. He may have had a little sake in him when one of his nieces or nephews were being mischievous and not listening to him and he would tell them to behave or, "I'll slap the black off of your back!" Maurice leaves to celebrate his life and cherish fond memories, his son, Xavier; three brothers, James Black of Maryland, Alfred C. Gooch (Debbie) and Donald Gooch (Mary) of Columbus; one sister, Diane G. Amstutz (Kevin); niece/sister, Francera D. Johnson of Baltimore, Mary-land; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives; two longtime life friends James McGinnis and Freddie Carter and many, many friends.