William Delbert Gootee, Jr.

Gootee, Jr., William Delbert “Del” –age 76, of Knoxville (retired from Hammond, Indiana) passed away Thursday, January 31, 2008 at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center. Born July 23, 1931 in Bowling Green, Kentucky to William Delbert Gootee, Sr. and Minnie Belle Duncan Gootee. When Jr. was just 6 months old, Sr. moved his young and growing family to Hammond, Indiana leaving the Kentucky coal mines behind for the oil refineries of the Calumet Region. Both Delbert Sr. and Jr. subsequently retired from lifetime careers in refinery operations, with strong Union ties (OCAW). Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don, Danny, Bobby and sister, Patsy. Survived by the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Patsy Ann Conover Gootee; his adoring daughters, Jackie O’Dea and son-in-law, Jim O’Dea of Hammond, Indiana, Shelly Woodrick and son-in-law, Jack Woodrick of Knoxville, Tennessee. His pride and joy were his four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Granddaughters, Shannon Schroeder (mother of great-grandson, Ryan Patrick), Kelly Jaeger and spouse, Tony (parents of great-granddaughter, Jillian Diane); grandsons, Michael White and spouse, Jessica (parents of great-granddaughters, Aidan Gabriella and Fallyn Shea) and Richard Eagle and spouse, Rebecca (parents of great-grandson, Gavin Michael). The oldest of 14 children, Junior will be missed by his nine surviving sisters and brothers, Ameilia Pieper, Adelle Wartman, Jim Gootee, Clarence Gootee, Maggie Welk, Betty Held, Barbara Cook, Sharon Pine and Becky Pemberton. He also leaves behind dear friend and brother-in-law, Jack Conover; sister-in-law, Wanda Conover and 48 nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank our “Angel of Mercy”, Hospice Nurse, Pat Hungate-words can’t describe our appreciation and admiration. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Del Gootee’s memory to Covenant HomeCare Hospice, c/o Ft. Sanders Foundation, 1901 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916-9986. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 PM Sunday with funeral service to follow at 3:00 PM, Rev. Don Ownby officiating. Del will be taken home and laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery, Hammond, Indiana with a 10:00-10:30 AM memorial service in the chapel on Saturday, February 9, 2008. Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway.