Gale Neal Goheen

Gale Neal Goheen, 76 of Huntington, WV, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Wayne Healthcare Center. He suffered a stroke in March of 2022 and it was his family’s hope that he would someday be able to return home. He was born August 2, 1947, in Huntington, WV; son of the late Harry B. Goheen Sr. And Esther Ripley Goheen. Gale was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and graduating Class of ’65. Growing up on Winters Road in a large Catholic and athletic family, many early mornings consisted of alter serving Mass at St. Mary’s, then spending many hours playing basketball with his brothers in the side yard, while his summer days were spent playing sports at the Memorial Field House. During high school you could find him showing off his skills on the basketball court at St. Joseph’s Invitationals, with his mother and father always in attendance.   

As a young man he served in the Army Reserve. A salesman, Gale’s career included selling advertising at the Herald Dispatch, class rings and yearbooks with Josten’s and specialty promotion items with Corporate Identity. Later in life he worked for the 10th Ave. YMCA where he enjoyed his shifts visiting with old friends and new. He was also a “Professional Driver”, delivering cars for Moses GM & Honda and Brother’s Auto Sales. He was the humble recipient of WSAZ’s Hometown Hero for his dedication to keeping his neighborhood clean. On many a Thanksgivings past, you could find him volunteering with family on the Turkey Trot path.

Gale was a true family man. 

A wonderful father and an amazing grandfather. He regularly checked in, stopping by with cookies and treats, taking us on trips to see family, doting over us and our pets and always offering help whether we needed it or not.  He came to all school activities, sports, programs, recitals and was an All-Star picker-upper and dropper-offer. He was the fun brother and uncle, famously known for always making us laugh and his competitive basement ping pong games. Family gatherings and holidays will never be the same without him.

Gale was the youngest of 15 children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Sarah, Billy, Mary Ann, Patricia (Walter) Gipprich, Harry, Jr., James Sr., Bobby, David, Tom and Charles “DeDe” Goheen. He is survived by his daughter, Dawn and son-in-law, Neal Warner of Huntington; Grandchildren Auna Marie, Natalia Louise and Thomas Brayden Warner all of whom he adored; doting sister Martha Carlson; always there to save the day brothers, John (Jo) Goheen, Larry (Connie) Goheen, Dan (Paulette) Goheen; super sisters-in-law Nena, Nicolette, Nilda and Marcia and wonderful nieces and nephews totaling 66. Gale was blessed with many friends and extended family, including former wife Nancy Harlow Goheen. Together they were Granny and Grumpy. Granny sat with Grumpy while he received physical therapy at the nursing facility and assisted him with lunch each morning.

Throughout his illness, Gale received spirit lifting cards, visits, video messages and gifts daily from former classmates and coworkers, friends, extended family and clergy. Though the last 20 months for him were difficult, this time was his time with God, and HE provided much for Gale…A time to be close to brother DeDe and a tremendous support system for both himself and his daughter. Brothers, a sister, and sisters-in-law supported him during uncertainty – truly at a time that he needed them most. Gale spent his last days at Wayne Healthcare Center where he both gave and received inspiration.  His laughter and perseverance were a gift to others, while at the same time mutual support from fellow residents and staff gifted him with friendship and compassionate care.  Many valuable lessons were shown to Gale and the family, for this, the Goheen family will always be grateful.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 12 at Beard Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 13 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Msgr. Dean Borgmeyer officiating. Burial and military honors by the Military Honor Guard will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to One by One Animal Advocates or Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter. Online memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.beardmortuary.com.