Thomas Lewis Gocke

Thomas Lewis Gocke of Oklahoma City passed away at age 84 on Sunday October 2nd, 2011 in the comfort of his home in the arms of his wife "Beth" Bartlett Gocke and his daughter Roxanne. Tom was born on February the 11th 1927 at "City of Angels" hospital in Los Angeles, CA. He lived with his parents John and Pauline Gocke in Pasadena, CA along with his two older sisters Lois & Betty and his younger brother Joe. After the death of his father, the family moved to Fairmont, West Virginia. While there he graduated from High School, then joined the Army and served his country in WW2 as a SSGT. Tom is survived by his wife, Beth; their five children and their spouses MJ (Jan) of Visilia CA, Craig (Debbie) of Houston TX, Roxanne (Bryan) of Edmond OK, Nellie (Kevin) of Westminster CA, Grant (Barbara) of Dallas TX; and Tom's sister, Betty. Tom and Beth have thirteen grandchildren. Chris, Brent, Kelsey, Allison, Matthew, Lauren, David, Jon, Mason, Clint, Cody, Cade and Connor and two great grandchildren Luke Christopher and Macey Grace. Tom loved to make people happy. He purchased a Baskin Robbins Franchise in 1964 where he shared his love of fine ice cream with his friends and raised his family in the business for over 30 years. Tom was a life-Master bridge player and the recipient of the Lucille Brinley Service Award given by the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League).He instructed hundreds of players and is a lifetime member of OKC bridge club. Tom was a devout Catholic who loved God. Tom had an incredible work ethic and was always ready to help or be of service to any person in need. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus at Saint Francis of Assisi and the founder and a past Grand Knight of the Chapter of the Knights of Columbus at Christ the King Catholic Church in OKC. Tom's legacy and personal life motto was "Accentuate the Positive and Eliminate the Negative". Tom served his community in many various areas arid charitable events. Tom requested his body be donated to medical science. Though he will be dearly missed by his family, he now resides in the arms of Jesus where he is walking the streets of glory. A Celebration of Tom's life will be held Thursday, October 6th at 6:00p.m. at Smith and Kernke Chapel. A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, October 7th at 11:00a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church.