Daniel R. Gouge

Daniel Ray Gouge, age 76, of Fairview Heights, IL, was born on August 10, 1947, in Orient, IL and died on Friday, October 20, 2023.

Dan grew up as an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his time enjoying nature. He met his love, Nancy Jane Moroni, when he was seventeen and they married four years later. At the age of eighteen, Dan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving three tours in the Vietnam conflict. From there, he built a life with Nancy, working for the Old Ben Coal Company and raising their two daughters, Daniele and Dede. Daniel was a devoted husband and wonderful father. After eighteen years mining coal, Dan graduated from Rend Lake College and took a job at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park, as park security, where he spread his warmth and kindness to campers from all over the world. Upon retirement, he and Nancy traveled the United States from coast to coast in their RV.  His biggest joys in life were traveling, tinkering, hunting, fishing, gardening, sitting by a fire, and his relationships with those closest to him. Known as a gentle giant, he was such a great example to many; a good man, full of kindness, with a wonderful sense of humor and immense generosity for anyone in need. 

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Stella, nee Overturf, and James Gouge; his siblings , Grace Deloris Holleman, James Gouge, Edna Avery, and Albert Gouge.

Daniel is survived by his cherished wife, Nancy Gouge, nee Moroni; his beloved daughters, Daniele (Lane) Webb and Dede (John) Reichart; his grandchildren, who he adored and was so proud of, Quinn Belva and Piper Reichart; and his brother, Robert Willis Gouge.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Leukemia-Lymphoma Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the American Legion, 311 S. Main St., Benton, IL. Military honors will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m, with luncheon to follow.

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