Michael Leroy Gooch, Greenwood, IN, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. He was 78 years old. Michael was born in Martinsville, IN, to his parents, Don Jr and Mary Jane (Troutman) Gooch, and lovingly raised by his grandparents, Don and Flora Gooch. He graduated from Martinsville High School, class of 1965. Michael married the love of his life, Ruth (Wright) Gooch, in 1967 and they shared 59 loving years of marriage together. Michael answered the call of this nation by enlisting into the United States Navy. He bravely served our country during the time of the Vietnam war and after his period of faithful service was honorably discharged. Michael carried on his sense of honor and duty with him long after his time in the military.

Michael was a member of the UAW Labor union and worked as a stationary engineer for General Motors Allison Transmission for 29 years and retired in 2012. Michael lived his life as a man of faith; he was serious about his convictions and found comfort in the lessons of the Bible. Michael was a talented woodworker and curated several custom projects for himself, his family, his friends, and beyond. Some of his projects included custom rocking horses, home remodels, a pulpit and custom woodwork for a church renovation, and so much more. Michael’s handiness and problem-solving nature loaned itself to his remarkable handyman skills. Michael had a soft spot for animals and took to raising several beloved dogs during his life. He was also known to enjoy the company of cats- especially when he could sneak them treats. In his free time, Michael loved to spend time fishing and boating; he enjoyed bringing his wife and taking tours of the lakes as well as bringing his children and grandchildren to enjoy the water. Michael was very family oriented and took great pride in his role as grandfather; he was lovingly referred to as “Pop”. He will be remembered as a genuine authentic man of good character who always remembered to find the fun. Michael will be deeply missed and forever cherished by the family and friends he leaves behind.

Michael is survived by his wife, Ruth Gooch; his children, Dorothy Hawkins and Kelly (Brett) Elder his grandchildren, Devin (Meranda) Hawkins, Megan (Taylor) Colwell, Mason (Bailey) Elder, Ethan Elder, and Grace (Roman) Harpole; his great grandchildren, Tacia, Reagan, Remi, Maverick, Tate, Weston, and two more on the way.

Michael is preceded in death by his grandparents and parents.

A visitation for Michael will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:00 pm. Michael will be interred at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 am. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home at 9:45am and process out to the grave together,

For those choosing to make memorial contributions, please send donations to Connection Point Church -https://cpc-franklin.churchcenter.com/giving/to/building-fund-in-memory-of-michael-gooch