Keith A. ‘Goose’ Gossard

Keith A. “Goose” Gossard passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 3, 2021 in Putnam County Hospital at the age of 78.

He was born in Mount Pleasant, Pa., on Feb. 28, 1943.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther Witzig Gossard and Amzi Garrison Gossard; and his best friend Derby.

He is survived by his wife, Earlene Gossard; his daughters, Dale Gossard Stevenson (John) of Quincy, Ill., Jil Gossard-Cook (John) of Atlanta, Ga., and stepdaughter Angela Ladd (Kris) of Cloverdale; grandchildren Jack Gardner Stevenson, Alec Nielsen Stevenson, Max Gossard Cook, Cameron Diane Cook, Reagan Ladd, Nate Ladd and Brian Ladd; siblings Hal Gossard (Pat), Valerie Benton (Glenn) and Karen Weddington; and his loyal buddy Hogan.

Goose graduated from Otter Creek High School in North Terre Haute, and was listed as one of the top 100 high school basketball players in the country. From an early age through high school, he showed his award-winning Quarter Horses Cricket and The Padre.

At DePauw University, he played on the basketball team and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. After graduation in 1965, he enthusiastically continued to host parties for his friends at class reunions.

Goose had a long career in the insurance business, becoming owner of HBG Insurance and Bonds until his retirement. Never confining himself to an office desk, he loved building relationships and loyalty to his customers. Many of these customers became lifelong friends.

Goose’s love of the game of golf began in his 30s. As an active member of Windy Hill Country Club, he served many years on the board and as board president. Goose took pride in helping to improve the clubhouse and the course, including the bent grass fairways and practice range. He loved playing golf with his family and friends and giving (a bit) of advice. No round of golf was complete without a stop for an hour (or six) at the back porch “19th Hole.”

Goose was a member of Soul Harvest Church and a former president of the Elks Club. He also loved the community of Greencastle, IU basketball, John Wayne westerns and all of the furry members of his family. His family thought of him as “the dog whisperer” as he could even “speak dog.” Hogan rarely left his side over the past several years.

As he used to say, “I’m a legend in my own mind.” His legacy will live on through all those who knew and loved him.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at Bittles & Hurt Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 9. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 10 at 11 a.m. at Soul Harvest Church in Cloverdale with Pastor Matt Nichols officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Putnam County Humane Society, the DePauw golf teams or the charity of the donor’s choice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Putnam County Humane Society, 4700 E. State Rd. 240, Greencastle, IN 46135, the DePauw golf teams, attn: Vince Lazar, 1 East Olive Street, Greencastle, Indiana 46135, or the charity of the donor’s choice.