"Lit a candle in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
In loving memory of
Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret.
May 26, 1924 - October 11, 2015
Joseph Atwell Goss, retired Lt. Col. Marine Corps, retired teacher and coach, accomplished traveler and beloved family man, left this earthly plane on October 11, 2015. Dad was born May 26, 1924 in Van Zandt County to Alma Cole and Walter Goss and was preceded in death by his wife, Vera and second oldest son, Dennis. Dad is survived by sons Joe, Tony, Jeff and wife Sharon, Thomas (TAG) and wife Angela, Brenda (widow of Dennis), grandchildren, Joe and wife Carla, Matthew and wife Stacia, Christopher and wife Claudia, Anthony, Zack, Jake, Justin and wife Courtney, Jason and wife Sarah, Jonathon, Amy, Thomas, Stephanie and husband Jacob, Trey, Ryder and Chance and great-grandchildren, Kalen, Josh, Jolie, Duggan, Emmy, Isabella, Jaeden, MaKaela, Katie and Elijah. Who all love him and will miss him dearly. After graduating from Van High School, where Dad was a member of the 1942 state championship team, he earned a basketball scholarship to The University of Texas. The UT basketball teams he played on went to the Final Four twice. Dad enlisted in the Marine Corps to serve his country and it was there that he met and married the love of his life, Veronica Dercole. Dad returned to UT after the war and graduated in 1948. Dad returned to active duty during the Korean Conflict. Together, they raised five sons as he continued to rise in the ranks. After serving 27 years in the Marine Corps, they decided to retire to Austin . Dad wanted his sons to be able to attend the University of Texas. He remained a loyal longhorn fan. After retiring from the Marines, he was a beloved coach at Fulmore Middle School in Austin, Texas for 17 years where he touched many lives in his years as a Coach and made an amazing, life-long impact on many kids. An inspiration, hero, role model and an unforgettable man are just a few of the many words his former students used to describe him.
Retiring did not slow Dad and Mom down. They traveled extensively and made friends all over the world. As their extended family began to grow they traveled less, entertaining and enjoying their grandchildren and then later their great grandchildren. He carried on family traditions, hosting Christmas and Thanksgiving. Dad enjoyed hosting Thursday lunch at his favorite restaurant the Bamboo Garden. Dad also enjoyed his daily visits to Shipleys donuts on Brodie Lane where he was sort of a celebrity. Engaged in family and life to the very end, he never forgot anyones birthday or anniversary. Dad was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. As we move forward and celebrate his memory, may we remember that he shared so many words of wisdom, but most poignant for this situation would be all good things must come to an end.
Service with full military honors for Dad and Mom will be conducted at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio at a later date and posted on the Coach Goss facebook page.
Tributes
"Lit a candle in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Lit a candle in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"I mean sad"
"Mr Goss was a great friend of mine and my coach in 1974 to 76 at Fulmore junior high I am satin about is lost to us and the community we lost a great man our condolences go out to his family and everybody he touched may God bless him and his family"
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Dear family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Atwell. I'm sure that there was a great reunion in Heaven with Truett, Gene, John Paul and all of the other family members that have gone on before us. Can't wait to see them all again. Love you guys very much! Tammy Goss"
"I can't believe my sweet Uncle Atwell is gone. He was a great son to my Grandmother, a great Brother to my Dad and a great Uncle to me and my Brothers. I am sorry we were not informed before today to be able to come to Austin to be with the family in this time of loss. He will be sorely missed. Love to all, Marcie Goss, P.O. Box 340 Canton, TX 75103."
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Coach Goss: rest in peace! The fact that you were an awesome junior high coach AND U.S. Marine are two proud accomplishments most Americans can't boast about! Although you looked stern and "no-nonsense," you were more than FAIR and kind, and gave a little guy like me a chance to get into the game and show them what a small running back could do! You will be missed by MANY.......and never forgotten! ----Paul A.Yemma, Class of '75!"
"Well said Tony, he was a great man and will be remembered by all. Sally Kachoris"
"Our family has lived next door to Joe, Vera, and family for 45 years. Faye and I enjoyed such fine neighbors for 32 of these years and our oldest son, also retired from the military, currently lives there. I enjoyed the many times that Joe and I visited across our mutual fence. Yes, UT sports was often a part of our discussion. What a fine man Joe was. I know he was a good teacher and coach from my personal knowledge of his fellow teachers at Fulmore Middle School. I feel very fortunate to have been a friend of such an honest, disciplined, and good natured man. He is a member of the Great Generation who grew up during the Depression years before WW 2, fought in WW 2 defending our country, fought in Korean War, and contributed after retiring from the military as a teacher and coach. What a life! His children and grandchildren are very fortunate. He will be sincerely missed but never forgotten. Jim Sansom Joe Goss was the neighbor whom I called on whenever Jim was out of town and I needed someone to help me. He was a strong man but also such a very gentle soul. Although we havent seen much of him since our move to Liberty Hill, he was such a large part of our memories of the past 45 years, and we will miss him. May the Goss family find peace in remembering all those wonderful times that they shared with Joe and Vera. Faye Sansom"
"Coach Goss was a great man with a loud voice, a kind heart and a smile. He inspired his student to go for their dreams and don't give up. He cared. He saw his students strengths and helped to make them even more. Thank you Coach Goss for being part of my life. RIP."
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"To the family of Colonel Goss, Growing up with you all on Marine bases and later in Austin, we were so fortunate to know your father.We saw how is was a man full of love,honor and kindness. Peace be with you all at this time of great loss,Deanna Duggan-Carmody,Mike and Maire"
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"My wife and I did not know LTC Goss. We only know his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Sharon and their children. However, we do know this much. He was a United States Marine and he served our country well for many years in times of war and peace. If you know this, then you know he had to be a good man! You have to be very proud of his many years of service, dedication, and duty to our country and community. Thank you, Sir, for a job well done. May you now rest in Peace in the Arms of the Lord forever. Gary and Sandy Hale, Dripping Springs, TX"
"The Goss family has been part of my life for many years; and we will regret his passing, but will have the memories to savor. RIP, Joe! Bill Pardue, Austin"
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Goss family, He was a good coach and a nice person, he taught us all so much.... I hope he's up there helping all those in heaven get in shape God Bless You Coach"
"When I leave this earth, I wish that at least one person regards me the way that I do "Coach" Goss. His bellow of, "Get over heeere!" is indelibly stamped in my mind. To this day, I maintain a relatively consistent daily exercise regimen that's directly traced back to him. Many mornings and afternoons Coach Goss stood on those concrete stairs silently watching me as I circled the track either alone or with others students--all of us vying for his approval, which was imperceptible, yet heart-felt. Thank you for direction, Coach Goss. I will miss you, Charlea Tracey McNeal"
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"To The Goss Family: My prayers are being sent to heaven on your behalf. I really loved and respected Coach Goss, he is always remembered ,your loss is my loss. May God comfort your hearts. A Dear friend, Mary Scott"
"We send our very heartfelt condolences to the family of Col. Goss. We're so proud to have known him and count our many blessings for the good times we've all shared. We always loved talking to him about our beloved Texas Longhorns. His constant enthusiasm for the University of Texas was contagious! Col. Goss was an honorable man and set the highest standards for others to follow - a true leader. Hook 'em Horns, Col., you will be dearly missed! Shirley and Sam Crabtree"
"Sent a gift in memory of Lt. Col. Joseph A. Goss, Sr. USMC Ret."
"Coach Goss, thank you for making me work hard in your class. You instilled a great work ethic in me at a young age. RIP"