Robert Lamar Goss, "That others may live." The medical crews and pilots that serve the emergency transport needs of seriously ill or injured persons are often the unsung heroes of such operations. They put aside concern for themselves as they boldly set out to serve others. Robert Goss of Shelbyville, Illinois was always proud to be a member of these dedicated crews. Robert Lamar Goss passed away February 6, 2008 in the Laguna Madre Bay area in Texas from injuries sustained in an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) helicopter accident on a flight with Valley Air Care. Robert was born January 24, 1953 at Elkhart, Indiana to Charles and Edna Marie Goss. He grew up in Sullivan, Illinois, attended schools there and went on to earn an associate degree. He married Carol Gordon in Illinois and the couple had one daughter, Erin. They were later divorced. He married Karen Klein in Sioux City, Iowa, August 18, 1990. Their children are Maddie, Charlie and Brodie. Robert served with the US Army, 82 Airborne Division from 1971 through 1976, was stationed at Okinawa and was honorably discharged from active duty in 1976. He served as a Warrant Officer with the reserves until August of 1987. He earned his private pilot's certification in 1977 and his commercial pilot's certification in 1978. He worked over thirty years as a pilot of airplanes and helicopters in the fields of aerial application and Emergency Medical Services, and off-shore service to oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. His distinguished flying career allowed him to travel extensively with his work in Illinois, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Michigan, Saudi Arabia, Texas, Arizona, Costa Rica, Nebraska, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Robert was a certified flight instructor. Robert greatly enjoyed special family times and riding his Harley. He had many friends and associates that enjoyed his good company and appreciated his expertise as a pilot. Although he was a quiet man, he never met a stranger. Robert is survived by his wife Karen (Klein) Goss of Shelbyville, IL, daughter Erin Goss of St. Louis, MO, daughter, Maddie, and sons Charlie and Brodie Goss all of Shelbyville, IL; his parents, Charles and Edna Marie Goss of Sullivan, IL, three brothers, Donald (Beverly) Goss of Mattoon, IL, Lyle Goss of Shelbyville, and Bill Goss of Salem, SD, and one sister Lori (Jim) Plank of Sullivan, IL; his parents-in-law, William and Mary Klein of Sioux City, IA, brothers- and sisters-in law, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at The Woodward Center in Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas, and a funeral service to be held at Shelby Christian Church, 200 N. Hickory, Shelbyville, IL, 62565. Readers are invited to visit the Robert Goss web site: www.caringbridge.org/visit/robertgoss In lieu of flowers, memorials on behalf of the Goss children may be sent to Mrs. Karen Goss, P O Box 586, Shelbyville, IL, 62565. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito.