John Parker Gossett's Obituary
John Parker Gossett, 69 — a beloved husband, father, and grandfather; a compassionate nurse; and a friend to all who knew him — passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at his home in Dallas, surrounded by his family.
Born on September 13, 1955, in Gainesville, TX, John was the fourth of seven siblings. He spent his early days playing in nearby pastures and working at the family grocery store. From a young age, he made friends easily and loved to laugh — always ready with a joke, a smile, or a harmless prank.
John graduated from Lindsay High School and then the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. He went on to dedicate 41 years as a registered nurse at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. He helped establish the Bone Marrow Transplant Program and worked across several hospital units throughout his career, ultimately holding his tenure in Cardiology, where he worked in the Cardiac Cath Lab and concluded his career in the Non-Invasive Cardiology Department.
John treated his patients like family, accepting calls at home to share advice or just have a friendly chat. His warm smile was contagious, and he was a favorite of many — one patient wouldn’t let anyone besides John start her IVs. That selfless and caring nature extended beyond his workplace: Every flu season, John sent cookies to his local pharmacy, where they knew him by name. When a neighbor was sick, he was the first one at the door to help. John was also an active volunteer in his community and his church, where he knew every priest and parishioner well.
A fun-loving spirit was a constant throughout John’s life, and he spent much of his time among friends — whether it was playing in a recreational softball league or throwing a great party, something he was known for in his younger days. He always invited his colleagues, but there was one nurse in particular who he hoped would attend — and after some persistence and several invitations, she did. John and Teresa instantly connected and were married less than a year later. Together, they built a wonderful family, and their love lasted a lifetime — 40 years.
John adored his three daughters and was always eager to share lessons and experiences with them. They spent countless hours out at the deer lease, where the only rule was: There were no rules. Together, they’d drink unlimited pops, stack them up, and shoot them down; hide out in the deer blind; and after a successful hunt, learn a thing or two thanks to his clinical wisdom. Whether it was on the sidelines as a coach or spectator at their every soccer game or out at the farm with one of them on his lap, barely big enough to press the pedal as they learned to drive, John was always there to cheer his girls on.
To his five grandchildren, he was Papa John. He shared his pastimes with them, too — a lifelong handyman, he built a sandbox with the help of his oldest grandson, Tanner, and continually painted the name of each new grandchild on the top. When visiting, if the kids weren’t heading straight to the sandbox, it was to the freezer, which was always stocked with his special homemade cookies.
John truly never met a stranger. Whether at work, at parties, or walking down the street, everyone knew him — and to know him was to love him. His family is often recognized as
‘John’s wife’ and ‘John’s daughters.’ Wherever he was and no matter the circumstances, there was always a light that shone through John.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Thecla Popp Gossett, and his sister Beverly Snuggs. He is survived by his wife, Teresa; his daughter Kelsey Mildren, her husband Luke, and their children Tanner and Hayes; his daughter Erin Wren, her husband Michael, and their children Beau and Emma; his daughter Gina Kach, her husband Connor, and their son Callan; his siblings Margie (Bob) Warren, Rita Flatt, Doug (MaQuita) Gossett, Greg Gossett, and Jimmy Gossett; and many other loving family members.
Even through health struggles in recent years, John met every setback with quiet resolve. A true Texan and lifelong John Wayne fan, John’s life was embodied by the legendary cowboy’s words: “Life is getting up one more time than you’ve been knocked down.”
A vigil and rosary service will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Thursday, July 31, 2025, beginning at 7:30 PM. The funeral service will be held the following day at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation.
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