EDWARD "ED" GEORGE GOSSELL

Edward "Ed" George Gossell, 88, of Raymore, MO passed away July 12, 2015. Funeral service will be 10 AM Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Cullen Funeral Home with visitation 6-8 PM Friday, July 17, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Belton Cemetery, Belton, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul's United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund 1111 W. Foxwood Dr. Raymore, MO 64083.

Ed was born July 6, 1927 in Verndale, Minnesota, the son of George and Hattie (Leyh) Gossell. Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Leora Gossell. He is survived by his loving wife Wanda of 62 years; two sons, William E. Gossell and Gregory G. Gossell (Nancy); three daughters, Rosemary J. Fisher (John), Janice M. Madden (Eddie) and Betty J. Gossell; 14 grandchildren, Andrew, Todd, Brooke, Jessica, Emily, Trey, Neil, Evan, Karen, Thomas, James, Mary, Joanna and Peter; and 9 great-grandchildren. Ed was a United States Air Force Veteran.

Just a week after celebrating his 88th birthday, Ed died at home, surrounded by loving family and tender Hospice care. He was an active member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church and a strong man of faith and prayer. Prior to moving to Missouri, he was a long-time Free Methodist and Nazarene in Iowa and Oklahoma, serving on many local and state committees, as well as working with Seniors groups.

Ed was born in Verndale, Minnesota but spent many years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Missouri. While in the Air Force, he taught radio technology, and afterwards spent many years working in real estate and insurance. He retired from Western Fraternal Life Association in 2006 after winning several awards for excellent salesmanship.

In addition to being a hard worker in his career, Ed also worked hard to serve his community in various ways over the years. From the Lions Club of Alburnett, Iowa to the Optimist Club of Raymore, Missouri, he gave his all to his friends and neighbors. He served as the President of the Oklahoma International Order of Foresters and was on the Board of Directors at Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. He even established a 4H club in Toddville, Iowa, all because of his love for youth and service.

He had many hobbies, including hunting and fishing, usually accompanied by a faithful dog. His garden was always teeming with fresh produce, the surplus of which was sold to coworkers and friends for just a dollar a bag. A lover of travel and adventure, he met his goal of visiting all 50 states and even made trips to Canada and Mexico. The family also went on numerous camping trips and vacations.

Ed loved spending time with friends and family, and always had a new joke to tell. He helped on the sidelines at the local high school football games running the chains, and rarely missed any of his children's many sporting events, musical performances, or other activities. After moving to Missouri in 2006, he especially like watching the Royals on TV, and could often be seen working on a jigsaw puzzle or completing a crossword.

Ed was very outgoing and enjoyed meeting new people. He loved to play Pinochle and other card games. He was an enthusiastic bidder, who loved to "shoot the moon" and rarely went set.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but the hearts of those left behind are comforted knowing that the first words he heard after their goodbyes were: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278