Gerald L. Gossett

CHARLESTON - Gerald L. Gossett, age 81 of Charleston, passed away on Saturday (August 28, 2010) at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. Visitation for family and friends will be held this evening (Monday) from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday (August 31) at the funeral chapel with Reverend Walter Carlson officiating. Burial with Military Honors conducted by the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that memorials in his honor be made to the American Lung Association, The Charleston Food Pantry or to a charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the Visitation or Services or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Dutch, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was born March 20, 1929 in Milford, Illinois a son of the late Clarence O. and Blanch May (Holt) Gossett. He is survived by Bev Sterling, his loving friend and partner for more than twenty-five years; his children, Debby Esarey and husband Mark of rural Charleston and their children, Savannah Esarey and Brock Esarey; Jeff Gossett and special friend Terri Minor of Ft. Worth, Texas and his children, Alexis Gossett, Natalie Gossett, Jared Gossett and Valerie Gossett; Diane Voth and husband Doug of Danville, Kentucky and their children Tyler Voth and wife Lacy and Adam Voth; Denise Gallatin and husband Steve of Centralia, Illinois and their children Joey Taylor, Sadie Taylor, Rachel Gallatin, Megan Gallatin and Emily Gallatin; Grant Sterling and wife Lynne of Charleston and their children, Phillip Sterling and Alexandra Sterling; a sister, Betty Hamm and husband Vern of Danville, Illinois; a brother, Ronald Gossett of Hoopeston, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, Dutch was preceded in death by a son, Tommy Lee Gossett; and two brothers, Harold Gossett and Donald Gossett. Dutch was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving overseas in the early 1950's. He received his Bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois State Teacher's College and while a student was a member of the E.I. Club. He later attended Indiana State University where he received both a Masters degree and a Specialist degree. He taught elementary through high school in the Danville, Illinois School District and coached the swim team and track team at the high school level. He accepted a position in the Eastern Illinois University Athletic Department and moved his family to Charleston in 1969. For the next twenty-five years Dutch coached various E.I.U. athletic teams including swimming, tennis and bowling before his retirement in 1994. Dutch was an extremely social individual and was a member of many organizations. He was a life member of both, the Charleston VWF Post 1592 and the Charleston Elks, B.P.O.E. 623, an associate member of the Illinois Sheriff's Association, a former member of the Charleston Gun Club as well as a member of the former Charleston Eagles Club. He was a member of the State Universities Annuitants Association, the American Legion Toledo Post 0764, the Panther Club, Charleston Moose Lodge 1388 and the Charleston Country Club. Dutch enjoyed bowling and golfing, was a huge fan of NASCAR and an even bigger fan of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He was always extremely involved in the school athletic programs when his children were students. Dutch, along with several community members was instrumental in the establishment of the Charleston Booster Club in the 1970's - and it remains an extremely active organization yet today. His support and encouragement didn't end there as he followed son Jeff's pro-football career as well as the many sporting activities of his grandchildren who have excelled as athletes as well. Dutch was proud of his family and they will always remember the love and support which was always there for them. He will be fondly remembered by his family and his many friends whose lives he enhanced.