David M. Gooding

David Michael Gooding, 85, of Gnadenhutten, Ohio, passed away peacefully at New Dawn Rehabilitation Center in Dover, Ohio, on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Born May 20, 1941 in Dennison, Ohio, he was the only son of the late Robert Earle and Lillian Rose (née Yaggi) Gooding.

Dave grew up in the Twin City area and was a 1959 graduate of Uhrichsville High School before attending The Ohio State University. He then spent a number of years living in California where he met the love of his life, Janice Carroll (née Williams) Gooding, whom he wed on April 15 1969.

Dave and Janice returned to Tuscarawas County in the 70s, and he built the home they have lived in since. Dave was the proud founder of Gooding’s Market in Dover, Ohio which he operated until his retirement in 2017.

Since their retirement, Dave and Janice split time between Ohio and Mexico, close to the ocean. He was a farmer, carpenter, sailor, builder, surveyor, welder, traveler, orchardist, and a business man - he did it all. In life, he never stopped, whether it was driving across the North America multiple times, working on his business, or being a great husband, father, and grandpa. Dave loved the ocean and thought swimming pools were useless. He was a quiet, tenacious, interesting man who lived a full life.

Dave, Dad, Papa, is loved by his wife, their sons, Aaron (Maria) Gooding and Jeb (Maile) Gooding, and granddaughter, Mia Gooding. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Gooding, Jean Spencer, and Pat (Will) Rand; brother-in-law, Kurt Cush; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Cush, as well as his parents.

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, cremation is planned. His family will celebrate his life on Saturday, September 19, with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison, Ohio. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s favorite charity, in lieu of flowers.