Clarence A. Goss (October 24, 1916 – March 11, 2014)

Clarence A. Goss, founder of Goss Supply Company, passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at the age of 97 at the Helen Purcell Home surrounded by family. Clarence was born in Canton, OH on October 24, 1916. Mr. Goss is a cancer survivor.
He attended local schools and graduated from Canton McKinley High School in 1934. He enjoyed playing football and hockey during these years. After graduation, he went to work in construction for 6 months and took night courses in business math and advanced mathematics.
When the construction job was finished, Mr. Goss was offered a position with Superior Switchboard and Devices in Canton where he worked in shipping, receiving, and material control. On July 25, 1941 he married Dorothy Charlton of Canton. Later that same year, at Christmas time, he received notice to report for military service.
Clarence first went to Sheppard Field, Texas and then to Love Field, Texas, the head¬quarters for the 5th Ferrying Command. He attended Dallas Aviation and Air College and was then sent to Lubbock, Texas, where he served as Flight instructor for a year. From there, he spent time at Langley Field, Virginia and then back to Lubbock, Texas to serve on a five man investigation team for crashes. He had the responsibility of transferring graduates, getting them ready for heavier aircraft and was in charge of troop and equipment movements. It was during this time that he played football for the Army Air Corp. His leadership experience while in the military would serve him later in the private sector.
After his discharge in late 1945, he went back to Canton and worked at Superior Switchboard and Devices where he was part of the management team. He wanted to travel and with his military experience he began buying and selling surplus equipment as an independent. He came to the Zanesville area in February 1946 and began selling supplies to mines, road builders, stone quarries, and gravel pits as a company representative. In 1950 he decided to go into business for himself and located at the present location of 620 Marietta Street, Zanesville. Goss Supply Company is a 3rd generation family owned corporation currently owned by Terry L. Goss and grandchildren Stacy M. Erwine and Terry Andrew Goss. The company remains suc¬cessful with very dedicated and loyal employees that are treated as “family”; many with the company over 30 years.
Mr. Goss was an active community leader offering support and guidance. He served on the Good Samaritan Hospital financial planning committee, and three years on the Board of First National Bank. Mr. Goss received both the Sertoma Bob & Delores Hope award and the Service to Mankind award and served on the local Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Associated Independent Equipment Parts Association, serving as treasurer and five years on a team of three advisors on technical procedures for rebuilding parts and equipment.
Mr. Goss enjoyed raising cattle and farming, sponsored bowling teams, fast pitch soft¬ball and multiple youth sports programs. He enjoyed watching hockey, Ohio State Football and the Cleveland Browns.

Clarence is preceded in death by his mother Theresa (Hans)Goss, father William Goss and his loving wife Dorothy L. Charlton Goss. He is survived by one brother, George Goss, Canton, OH. Clarence was the loving father of two sons David (Cathy) Goss, Terry L. (Diane) Goss residing in Zanesville.
Clarence was proud of his grandchildren, Amy (Tom) Wilcox, Allison (Steve) Hambel, Angela Goss, Stacy (Jason) Erwine, Terry A. (Angie) Goss and Ashley (Nick) Lovallo, Heather (Eric) Jadwin, Jennifer (Phillip) Moore, Ashley Moody, a nephew James Goss and numerous great grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors at The William Thompson and Son Funeral Home, 5765 Gladstone Drive, White Cottage, OH on Friday, March 14 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral services will be held at ‘(f~ 00 PlMGn Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Trinity Full Gospel Church, 535 Munson Ave, Zanesville, OH . Rev. Terry Rowland officiating.
Burial will be held in Zanesville Memorial Park
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Zanesville Animal Shelter Society, 1430 Newark Rd, Zanesville or the Helen Purcell Home, 1854 Norwood Blvd, Zanesville, OH.