Paul Leon Gooch

Paul Leon Gooch DENVER CITY-Funeral services for Paul Leon Gooch, 84, of Denver City will be conducted Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 ,at 2 p.m. in the Denver City Church of Christ with Brother Skip Rodgers officiating under the direction of Ratliff Funeral Home of Denver City. Interment will follow in the Denver City Memorial Park Cemetery. He passed away at his home in Denver City on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. Leon was born on Oct. 6, 1928, in Muskogee, Okla., to Nicholas Paul and Clarkie Evans Gooch. He married Ruth Marie Bailey Dec. 24, 1948, in Artesia, N.M. He owned and operated the Dairy Mart 17 years. After selling it, he worked in construction for several years before purchasing the Broadway Superette, operating it until his retirement. Leon was a member of Denver City Church of Christ. Leon was active for many years in the Boy Scouts of America. In 1975, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. He was a former member of the Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, and past president of Chamber of Commerce in 1975. He was also active in local politics, serving 11 years as council member, four as mayor of Denver City. Leon was selected citizen of the year in 1980. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister. Leon is survived by his wife, Ruth Gooch of Denver City; two sons, Randy Gooch and his wife LaVaughn of Denver City, and Larry Gooch and his wife Tammy of Tyler; a daughter, Patty Lutrick and her husband Johnny of Allen; a sister, Betty Lilly and her husband Leonard of Odessa; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the New Mexico Christian Children Home, 1356 New Mexico Hwy 236, Portales, NM 88130-9411.