Charles Edward Goss

Charles Edward "Buddy" Goss came into this world on September 26, 1944, to Charles Gideon and Wilma Ellen Goss (nee Stiffler). Charles was born at Burge-Protestant Hospital (now known as CoxHealth Medical Center-North). He lived in the Springfield area most of his life.
Charles worked as a machine operator and retired from Solo Cup company in 1995.
Charles was in the Navy for 6 years and then the Army for 2 years. He always said he wanted to learn to shoot and to be able to take apart and reassemble a gun blindfolded. Instead, he found his way to the kitchen where he was a cook and baker. When Charles joined the Army and they found out he could cook, he was placed in the kitchen once more. Charles was on the USS Canisteo AO99 and was at the Bay of Pigs.
Charles loved to spread the word of God to everyone he met. He became involved in ministry late in life. Charles and his close friend, Pastor Ron Adrian, had various adventures traveling to countless places to minister. He was prayer chaplain with the Gospel Ministry Team of the Ozarks, which also included Pastor Ron Adrian, Dr Danny Decker, and evangelist Jimmy Harriss. Charles would hold a Bible study at the Victory Square on Saturday night to minister to homeless men. Since he had macular degeneration and could not see, Charles was fondly referred to as "Blind Bartimaeus" by ministry team. He was a proud member of the Grandview Baptist Church in Springfield.
Charles married Barbara Lea Williams on June 18, 1983. They had over 40 wonderful years together. Charles passed away on January 30, 2025, as a man of faith.
Charles was preceded in death by his mother Wilma Russell, father Charles G Goss, Sr, and sister Patricia Kee (nee Goss). He is survived by his wife Barbara, from Springfield; children Charles G Goss Jr. (Virginia) of Branson, John Goss (Judy) of Springfield, Deborah "Dee" Goss (John) of Springfield, Howard (Cassandra) Garton of Hurley, Michael (Heather) Garton of Fair Grove, and Joseph (Rebecca) Goss of Beavercreek, Ohio; brothers Frank (Edna) Goss of Old Town, FL, Mark (Tammy) Russell of Conway, AR, Tom Russell of Lebanon, TN, Theresa Jones of Springfield, Linda (Randy)Bergstrom of Colorado, Sharon Strand of Springfield; nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, dozens of nieces and nephews, and a countless number of loving friends.
Charles was a collector of many things to include pocketknives, marbles, gospel music tracks, coins, antiques, and cookbooks. His hobbies also included woodworking, fishing, working on cars, ministering, and cooking. He passed on his love of auto mechanics to his son Joseph, and they spent a lot of time working on cars together. Charles was well known for his mouth-watering pork tenderloin sandwiches. He was loved by animals and children alike. Charles never met a stranger. He would strike up a conversation with someone in the checkout line at the store.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Amedisys Home Health, the ER staff at Cox South hospital, and the Veteran's Administration.