REVEREND RICHARD D. GOULD
Rev. Richard D. Gould, Jr., 63 of Oxford, NY was called home by his Lord on June 4, 2017. He was born in Galesburg, IL to Richard D. Gould, Sr. and Betty Jean (Settles) Gould on December 27, 1953. He graduated from Galesburg Sr. High School then went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad before being called into full time ministry. He graduated from Atlantic Baptist Bible College in Chester, VA and accepted his first pastorate at the Grace Bible Baptist Church in Beacon, NY. In 1987, he accepted the pastorate of the Temple Baptist Church of Norwich, NY. He served there until February 2009 when a stroke forced him to retire from the ministry he loved.
He leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife of 45 years, Starr (Matson) Gould, his sons Aaron Gould of Binghamton, NY, Scott Gould of Oneonta, NY, Joshua and wife, Jennifer Gould along with his beloved grandchildren, Cerilene, Japheth, Anora and Brayton of Greene, NY. His sisters, Sharon (Pete) Stevens-Weldon and Debbie Fielder both of Galesburg, IL and other extended family. He was greeted into heaven by his Lord and Savior, and his parents Richard and Betty Jean.
Rick loved to fish and hunt, he adored his family and took great joy in spending time with them. He will always be remembered for pushing his sisters and wife’s buttons with great skill, his goofy big eyed grin and love of practical jokes on those around him. Most importantly he will be remembered for his desire “To be a man used of God” and his ministry to those in need no matter what the cost.
Visitation will be held at Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main Street, Oxford, NY on Thursday, June 8th from 4pm-7pm. A celebration of Rick’s ministry and life will be held at Temple Baptist Church, 121 Grotsinger Road, Norwich, NY on Friday, June 9th at 10am with Rick’s long time and dear friend, Reverend Dan Knickerbocker officiating. A private burial will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Oxford, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that an act of kindness be shown to someone in Rick’s memory. Friends and Family may share their memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.