Harry P. Gootas

Harry P. Gootas passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on March 6, 2026 at the age of 94. He was born February 10, 1932 in Battle Creek Michigan, to Peter and Helen Gootas.

At a young age Harry (Papa) moved to Gainesville Texas and later joined the US Army. In the Army, Harry served as assistant Army Chaplain at Ft. Bliss. After his military service,

Harry attended Cooke County College and then Oklahoma State University, where he earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration in 1974.

Harry was a dedicated educator throughout his career, serving as a teacher, principal and a College professor. He taught in Stillwater Oklahoma, and Omaha Nebraska. Touching and enriching the lives of many students and colleagues along the way.

Harry was a gifted musician who enjoyed playing the piano, organ, and the accordion. He loved sharing his musical talents with his friends and family, along with being music director for his church families.

Beyond the classroom and sharing his music, Papa loved nothing more than his family and woodworking. He shared his wisdom, patience and kindness with all his grandchildren. Papa could make anything we asked of him, out of a piece of wood. He also loved spending time watching the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Texas Rangers baseball and the Dallas Mavericks.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law Lia and George Kossarus.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Jeanie; his children, Sam Gootas, Chris Kuhn and wife, Amy, Todd Kuhn and wife Julianne, Juli Metzler and husband Phillip. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler Kuhn, wife Mayra, Chance Kuhn, wife Mayra, Bailey, Addey, and Tannor Kuhn, Shelbie Justice, and husband Gerrit. Dalton Metzler and wife Hannah, Luke and Jake Metzler. Along with eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 10, at 11:00 A.M. at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home with Interment services following at 12:30 P.M. at Fairview Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Tyler Kuhn, Chance Kuhn, Tannor Kuhn, Dalton Metzler, Luke Metzler, Jake Metzler, and Garrit Justice.