Mr. Donald Leo Gouker, 76, of Frederick, Maryland passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Frederick Memorial Hospital from complications resulting from a long battle with a rare pneumonia. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Kathleen Clarke Gouker, for 52 years. Don was born on July 11, 1937, in Frederick, the ninth child of ten of the late William I. and Clara Zimmerman Gouker. His first job was part time after school and in the summer at the Frederick Municipal Airport, which led to him enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he became an aircraft instrument technician. His Field service engineer career began with 20 years of service with American Instrument Company / Baxter Travenol and concluded in 2005 with 15 years of service with Marsh-McBirney Inc. His work took him to many places including Japan, the former Soviet Union, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and almost all 50 states. His energetic and innovative spirit was appreciated by his colleagues and his goal was always a commitment to excellence for himself and his companies. Don was a faithful parishioner of St. John the Evangelist and an inaugural parishioner of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church. He was a dedicated volunteer in his faith as an altar boy, usher, Eucharistic minister and a supporter of the construction of the new St. Katharine Drexel church. In addition, he volunteered as a driver for the VA hospital, as a Cub master for St. John's Cub Scout Pack 278, Christmas in April projects, and was a past commander of the Sons of the American Legion Post #11. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and delighted in attending their sporting events, dance recitals, and other activities. He would never say "no" to any request from a grandchild. His eyebrows lifted up and a smile came across his face when ever one of them was around. Don enjoyed his family, friends, camping, biking, and exploring new places. He was often found tinkering in his workshop where he always had a project or two in progress. Surviving in addition to his loving wife are his four children and six grandchildren: Anne Breeden, her son Paul J.;, Donald and Jean Gouker and their children William and Margaret; Margaret and Benjamin Fetting and their children Christopher, Matthew, and Katherine; and daughter Christina Gouker. He is also survived by his brother and best friend Paul Gouker with whom he was very close. Don is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Florence Gouker, Ruby Gouker, Irene Gouker, Sandra Gouker, Margaret O'Hara, and Ellen Woodcock, brothers-in-law: Lawrence O'Hara and William Woodcock, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Alice, James, Abner, Lewis, John, Robert, William and Richard. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law Paul Breeden. The family will receive friends at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, on Sunday, June 8th ,2014, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. A Wake service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 118 East Second Street, at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 9th., 2014.The Rev. Keith Boisvert, will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. Johns Cemetery, Frederick. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions be made to support the construction of the new St. Katharine Drexel church building, a cause which was very special to him. St. Katharine Drexel Church - Building Fund, 8428 Opossum town Pike, Frederick, MD 21702. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.keeneybasford.com.
