Mr. Thomas Edward Gouker, 71, of Frederick, passed away on Thursday, October 9 at Frederick Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the loving husband for 49 years of Paula (Ernest) Gouker of Frederick. Born on May 28, 1943 in Frederick, he was the son of the late Lawrence Xavier and Mary Jane (Tracey) Gouker. Tom was a 1961 graduate of St. John's Catholic High School. Following graduation, he served in Co. A 1/115 Md. National Guard from 1964 to 1970. During his working career he worked at the Ox Fiber Brush Company, Sears, and operated a family service station. He retired from Alcoa/Eastalco Works after 25 years. He later worked for SATS. Tom served in COA/1/115 MDARNG and was also a Life Member of Cresap's Rifles Post 78, 29th division, Frederick. His faith was an important part of his life. Tom was a charter member of Emmanuel Alliance Church, where in the early years of the church he served as a deacon and usher. Tom also attended Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Myrtle Beach, SC while he resided there. Tom enjoyed traveling with his family and going on cruises. He took his grandchildren camping for many years and also attended many musical performances and proudly recorded any that his grandchildren were in. His other interests were reading and enjoying sports on TV and he shared an interest in NASCAR with his grandson, especially following Dale, Jr. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Goldstein and the nurses at the Oncology Care Consultants in Frederick for their outstanding care during his illness. The family would also like to thank the doctors and nursing staff of Unit 2C at FMH for their compassionate care. Tom was the father of Michele L. Stottlemyer and husband Michael and the grandfather of Ashleigh L. Stottlemyer, Kayla M. Stottlemyer and Thomas "Tommy" M. Stottlemyer. He is also survived by his siblings, John Gouker of Frederick, Norma Myers of Frederick and Virginia Keeney of Kearneysville, WV and sister-in-laws Nancy Palmer of Walkersville and Marsha Payne and her husband Ronald of Middletown as well as many nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence X. Gouker, Jr. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 14 from 6-8 PM at Keeney and Basford PA Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 15 at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Alliance Church, 7102 Ladd Lane, Frederick with his pastor, the Rev. Stephen Kroh officiating. At Tom's request and to honor his battle with Pancreatic Cancer, please wear purple to his service. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick. Contributions may be made in Tom's name to the American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer, 1037 Haven Road, Hagerstown, MD 21742.
