Local Service Member Killed at Pearl Harbor to be Laid to Rest Saturday

A northern Missouri service member, who was killed in action at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, will be laid to rest Saturday.

United States Navy Sailor George Merton Gooch of Laclede was 22-years-old when he was killed by the Japanese attack on the Battleship USS Oklahoma. At that time, Gooch was declared dead while missing in action or lost at sea. His remains were identified on September 14th, 2020.

During his time in the Navy, Gooch served as an Electrician’s Mate Third Class. Gooch will be laid to rest this Saturday at 1 pm in the Laclede Cemetery. Full military funeral honors will be conducted by the United States Navy.