Donald Eugene Gould was born July 18, 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri and passed away February 20, 2015 at home due to sudden heart failure. He left this world quickly, unexpectedly, and without suffering. His strong belief and faith in God was his strength to all of his family and that was demonstrated by being a pillar and active member of Mayfair Christian Church for the past 50 years. Don’s greatest passion was bowling and despite being 80 years old, he bowled weekly since his early twenties. Don married Rita E. Gould in 1962 and enjoyed 53 years of shared life.
Don came from a meager upbringing where he learned the true value of making a living. He started working at his family owned business, “Gould’s Café” in Texas from ages 13 to 17 years old. He completed the 11th grade and since times were so financially tough, he found a job as manager of a small drive in restaurant from age 18 to 19. Next, he was fortunate to land a better paying job as a driller in the oil fields from ages 20-23 as he also became a father of three little boys, Donny, Danny, and Michael from his first marriage.
God always took Don into a new direction when a better paying opportunity presented itself; he found that in becoming a welder for the next 30 years. During that time, he moved to California, where he met Rita, his soul mate. They were married three months later and their first child and Don’s only daughter, Cathy was born. A few years later, his last born, David came along.
Through the years, Don continued his welding profession until he retired at the age of 53. His next venture was going into business with his son, David who lived with Muscular Dystrophy his entire life. Don’s devotion to David’s well being was displayed by his support in helping David realize his own goals and dreams in starting a print shop from the ground floor. Together, they remained in business until David’s passing 16 months ago and it was 27 years up to Don’s own passing.
Don was a man who was well loved and respected in his church and bowling community and was a man who was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was truly a self made man with his faith in God to lead him every step of the way.
Don left behind his loving wife and life partner, Rita, his children, Danny Gould (Carol), Michael Gould (Aura), and Cathy Gould-Harrison (Richard), his daughter in laws, Shannon Gould, Bridget Gould and Rita Gould. He also leaves 9 grandchildren: Jamie, Brandon, Brittany, Bethany, Marisa, Jonathan, Takashi, Todd, and Jennica as well as 8 great grandchildren: Mina, Tierstyn, Camdyn, Brayden, Samuel, Evan, twins, Mackenzie and Madison.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Wilbur Gould, his three brothers, Wilbur, Charles, and Norman, his oldest son, Donny in 1985, his grandson, Stephen in 2001, and his youngest son, David in 2013.
Please join us in attending a "Celebration of Life" on Saturday, February 28th at 11am at Mayfair Christian Church, 5 West Swain Road, Stockton, California to give Don the honor of being celebrated for his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Defying Muscular Dystrophy at www.defyingmd.com or by mailing to Defying Muscular Dystrophy at 3031 W. March Lane, Ste. 134, Stockton, Ca 95219. Viewing will be held at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi Ca during the following days and times: Friday, Feb. 27th 3:00 8:00 pm, Saturday, Feb, 28th 1:00-6:00 pm and Sunday, March 1st from 1:00-4:00 pm.
VISITATION
Visitations will be held at: Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home at 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, Calif. 95240 during the following days and times: Friday, Feb. 27th 3:00 8:00 pm, Saturday, Feb, 28th 1:00-6:00 pm and Sunday, March 1st from 1:00-4:00 pm.
SERVICES
No services
INTERMENT
No public service will be held