Person Record

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1 of 1977 Bob Goss

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Name

Goss, Robert G. "Bob"

Othernames

Robert Gray "Bob" Goss

Born

07/28/1898

Birthplace

Honey Grove, Texas

Places of residence

Kilgore, Texas

Father

Jospeh Ray Goss

Mother

Acemantha Frances Markham Goss

Notes

Bob Goss was born July 28, 1898 to Acemantha and Joseph Goss. As a young man, he served as a machine gunner in France during WWI. He joined the Rangers on June 23, 1924, working mostly near and around the Texas oil fields. He was involved in restoring order during the May 1930 race riot in Sherman. He also worked on the Bridge War of 1931. He served in Companies A and B.

From 1934 to 1936 he was Chief of Police in Kilgore. Years later, he worked for the Texas Game Fish and Oyster Commission. Bob spent many years in law enforcement and saw a lot of violence, but the New London school explosion left a lasting impression on him. He was at the disaster site on March 18th & 19th, along with Rangers Hardy Purvis and Leo Bishop. Rangers, highway patrolmen & nearby units of the National Guard were ordered to the school by Governor Allred to enforce Martial law.

Goss was considered an expert marksman, and in later years he participated in competitive shooting. He was a member of the East Texas Rifle and Pistol Club, practicing target shooting with .45, .38, and .22 caliber weapons. He has been called the best pistol shot ever to have worn the Ranger badge.