Stanley R. Gober

Stanley R. Gober April 30, 1926 June 18, 2012

Creator of the Mullet Festival Stanley Russell Gober was well known within Southwest Florida and throughout the world as people journeyed to Stan's Idle Hour in Goodland from near and far. To see and hear Stan on a Sunday was a one-of-a-kind experience. He was a true entertainer.

Born in Bessemer, AL, Stan understood the value of a dollar at an early age. A child of the Great Depression, he watched as his mother struggled to put food on the table for him and his three siblings. By the age of 12, Stan was working in a restaurant to help support his family.

In 1944, just 15 days before his 18th birthday, Stan joined the Navy. He was sent to the South Pacific as World War II raged. Spending 16 months at a hospital base in Noumea, Stan reflected upon his experience of the war in his book, "Stan: An American Story." "I was the lucky one," he said, as his time in the military was tame compared to most.

Upon his return, Stan would continue to work in restaurants and hone his skills as an entertainer. He met, and married, Faye R. Campbell, the love of his life, and had three sons, Sammy Russell, Jay Carlton, and Steve Patrick, with her. He was also previously blessed with a daughter, Rebecca Morgan.

Migrating to Miami with a young family, Stan spent more than 20 years with the telephone company. He traversed the Tamiami Trail for ten years, fishing the backwaters of Goodland and Marco Island before making a permanent move to Goodland in 1969. He purchased the Idle Hour Motel that year and Stan's Idle Hour the following year.

Stan used the stage as an outlet for his entertaining. He began writing his own tunes, including the infamous, "Buzzard Lope" and the "Yankee Dollar." In 1985, he created the annual Mullet Festival, a party to honor the bait fish that gave Goodland its fishing village credibility. For over 40 years, Stan sang, told jokes and mingled with his fans every Sunday. He also contributed to many charities over the years, recognizing the importance of giving back, thanks to his humble roots.

Stan was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Campbell Gober. Stan's mother and father, Berdie and Floyd Gober, along with his three siblings, Butch, Wally and Vera, also preceded Stan's passing.

He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Morgan; and his three sons, Russell, Jay and Steve Gober; his 11 grandchildren, Nicole, Colin, David, Crystal, Michael, Ryan, Dylan, Zach, Jared, Bethany, Jacob; and his great-grandchildren, Robert, Chelsea, and Andrew. Nieces and nephews, Cathie Gober Bray, Vicki Gober Heggen, both reside in Georgia, and Skip Gober resides in Alabama.

Stan was a family man, a singer, a songwriter, a comedian and a true entertainer. Stan was red, white and blue through and through. He loved his country and he loved Goodland. He was a philanthropist, constantly raising money for organizations within our community. He was also a friend to many.

A funeral service and visitation will be held on Sunday, June 24th (TOMORROW) from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Stan's Idle Hour in Goodland.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples FL 34105.

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