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Billy Gooch Obituary
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Alma Lee (Mama) Gooch, brothers Kenneth Ray Gooch and Donald Joe Gooch; sisters Virginia Maxine Trawick and Marion Lee Lytle; daughters Chantel LeAn Gooch and Peggy Sue Gooch. His surviving grandchildren are Ashley LeAn Troughton and Billy Eugene Gooch III. His surviving great-grandchildren are Billy Eugene Gooch IV and Ethan Gooch, and his special friend and buddy Connor David McDonald.
He was preceded in death by his son Billy Eugene Gooch Junior.
Billy attended Stroud High School and Married Alma Lee White in 1959. Billy moved his family to Colorado Springs in 1971 so he could work for the Colorado Springs Sun newspaper. Billy ran the Pikes Peak Marathon in 1985. He loved to camp in the local mountains as well as hunt and fish with his kids. He also had a knack for carpentry and gardening and always had the most beautiful yard.
He found his true calling as Santa Clause and formed a business providing a true Christmas experience to children all over the country, and training them there locally for 20+ years. He was honored to serve as Santa Clause to the White House for 3 years. He touched many lives, always telling them to believe, Believe In The Magic.
He was a great father, friend and Santa Clause to so many and he will be deeply missed.
Condolences, flowers and donations can be made directly to the family, 3003 W St Vrain Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Gooch
Frank Martinez
July 13, 2024
After 7 years and I still think of you every day. Hope you are having great reunion time with all our Santa brothers. I´m sure we will see each other again one day. Rest in Peace my friend.
Milissa Hedinger
July 25, 2017
In my thoughts and prayers my dear friends xoxo Billy and Mama Gooch touched my life xoxo BELIEVE....Believe in the Magic of Heaven....Billy is with us always in Heart and Spirit....lots of Love and Hugs
Skeeter & Debbie Griffin
July 20, 2017
Debbie & I have always felt blessed by the time we spent with Santa Billy. We know that because of his big heart all who trained under Billy are better Santa's. God put each of us in Billy's care so that children would be touched with the miracle of wonder. I pray that his family & friends open to God's grace at their time of loss. Love & Prayers!
Dee Christianson
July 19, 2017
Sending prayers to all. I met Mr. Billy the first time at Molly's and Jason's wedding. I know how important he was to them and Connor. May peace be with you.
BOBBIE JAY
July 19, 2017
Mama I am thinking of you & family at this time.
Myriam Miller
July 19, 2017
When I worked for IBM in Colorado Springs had the pleasure of hiring Billy each year for our Children's Xmas party to play Santa Claus, the kids loved him specially his beard. Such a gentle soul, brought joy to so many. Remembering him fondly. Rest In Peace. Sympathy & Prayers to his family
James Heimerman
July 19, 2017
Billy, you were a good friend and great mentor. You will never be forgotten.
William Wentz
July 19, 2017
RIP Billy I never got the chance to meet you but I only heard great things about you. Santa Claus will always live in my heart thank you for all the smile's you gave everyone.
July 19, 2017
May every smile, belly laugh and that Santa eye twinkle comfort his friends and family during this time of sorrow. Billy truly stayed in Santa Claus character 365 days of the year. I am blessed to have known this magical man. Rest in Peace, Billy. You will be missed by everyone you have touched through your 80 yrs.
July 19, 2017
You will be very missed Billy. So happy to have had the privilege to know you. Mama our hearts break for you. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Santa Stan and Cookie Lady.
Frank Martinez
July 19, 2017
You came into my life at just the right time, from our casual meeting at the oil and lube to the day 4 years later when you slipped a card in my hand at the the flea market. You turned my life around and mentored me as my second father. I will do my best to keep your legacy going. RIP my friend. Lunch will never be the same.
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