Norman Dean Goucher

Norman Dean Goucher, 75, of Memphis, Missouri, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Scotland County Hospital. Born on July 2, 1950, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Marvin “Pat” and Hazel Johnson Goucher, he grew up in the Edina area and graduated from Knox County High School in 1968. There he found a lifelong passion for drumming that remained with him always. He worked for Marble’s Ready Mix and the City of Memphis Water Treatment Plant before beginning his long career as an over-the-road truck driver for Foodliner, where he earned multiple safety awards and the CB handle “Hummingbird.”

On May 27, 1984, Norman married the love of his life, Marsha Burns Peterson, and became bonus dad to her children, Kristi and Kyle Peterson. She was his anchor and he was her storm. Marsha preceded him in death nearly fourteen years ago, and they are now reunited. Norman was never happier than when he stood at the grill with a crowd gathered in the backyard. He could be counted on for barbecues, birthday parties, and family gatherings, making those moments memorable in his own quiet, steady way. He loved deer hunting, time at the cabin with lifelong friends, Cardinals baseball, and summers at Lake Thunderhead, where he spent countless hours on the pontoon or pulling generations of children—first Kristi and Kyle and their friends, and later his grandchildren—on skis and floaties, patiently teaching anyone who would listen how to fish. In quieter times he strummed his guitar and sang “Old Time Rock and Roll” as he moved through the house. Wherever he went, whether to the VFW, the grocery store, or the old pharmacy counter, Norman had a story to tell, and those who took the time to listen were rewarded with something good. He took simple pleasure in walking into a place and hearing someone call out “Norm.” Once you knew him, you did not forget him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marsha Goucher; his son, Kyle Peterson; his parents, Marvin “Pat” and Hazel Johnson Goucher; and his brothers, Terry Goucher and Melvin Paris.

Norman is survived by his daughter, Kristi Peterson of Ashland, Missouri; grandchildren Christian and Keelee Lalley of Elkhorn, Nebraska, Gabe and Grace Peterson of Omaha, Nebraska, Sascha Peterson of California, Missouri, Reygan Whitt of Columbia, Missouri, and Kyle, Jadyn, and Kynzli Peterson of Ashland, Missouri; great-grandson Kaysen Lalley of Elkhorn, Nebraska; brothers Tim and Marlene “Tuffy” Goucher of Novinger, Missouri, Ronnie and Linda Douglas of Kirksville, Missouri, Kenny and Mitzie Douglas of Des Moines, and Darell Goucher of Kirksville, Missouri; sisters-in-law Charlotte Paris and Marsha Goucher; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.