Jerry Donald Gott, Rolla, MO, a soil scientist with U.S. Forest Service, died on Mar. 12, 2005.

Born Mar. 21, 1940 in Missouri, he was the oldest son of James Sutten and Sybil Louise Karr Gott.  In 1966, he graduated with a degree in soil and plant science from Southwest Missouri State University.  In 1967, Mr. Gott and his wife Sue moved to Winona, MO to begin his professional career with the U.S. Forest Service.  In 1972, he was promoted to Forest Soil Scientist, working out of the supervisor’s office in Springfield.  In 1973, Mr. Gott was transferred to the supervisor’s office in Rolla.  He retired in 1998 after 38 years of dedicated service with the U.S. Forest Service.  He also was co-owner of J.D. Gott Soil and Watershed Consulting.

Mr. Gott was a charter, life member and past president of the Missouri Association of Professional Soil Scientists.  He was a member of ASA and SSSA for 32 years.  He also was an ARCPACS certified soil scientist.  Mr. Gott volunteered for many student-teaching field trips, teaching and promoting the care and love of our land.  If one phrase could sum up Jerry’s philosophy of life, it would be this: “be a doer and leave this world a better place.”  He was dedicated to his God, family, country, and work.