John C. "Charlie" Gott passed peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on May 9, 2022. He was 80.

Charlie founded family business Gott's To Go in 1983, providing sanitation equipment and construction site office trailers across southwest Missouri. He was still very actively running the business until early 2022, when he developed complications from cancer. His loving daughter Teresa Gardner, who has worked by his side for many years, will take over ownership and operations; grandsons Ty Jackson and Aaron Jackson will continue and expand their critical roles in the business.

Charlie co-owned and operated Nelson-Gott Motor Company with his late close friend Bob Nelson in the 1960's, and later founded Quality Auto Sales and auto body shop in Springfield. As part of his passion for auto racing, he sponsored and provided service for local stock cars throughout his career—for lifelong friend Bunky Long, Larry Ball, and others, and most recently very proudly for grandson and winning driver Ty Jackson. He was a St. Louis Cardinals fan, and enjoyed fishing, visiting Downstream casino, and lots of quality family time…and with Charlie, it was always quality.

He is survived by son Kenny Gott and wife Tina; daughter Teresa Gardner and husband Bobby; sister Janie Corn and husband Joe; brother Lee Gott and wife Sharon; grandchildren Ty Jackson, Aaron Jackson and companion Heather, and Amanda Gott; great-grandchildren Haylie Jackson, Kohen Jackson, Chase Jackson, and Gracelynn Jackson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other close family relations; mother of Kenny and Teresa (and lifelong friend and supporter) Paula Gott; and an amazing number of other dear friends, employees and business associates who became friends (especially longtime friend and loyal employee Arlene Stickler)…and hundreds of others who were touched by Charlie's kind and generous nature, sense of humor, and brilliant smile. He was preceded in death by father Quinn Gott and mother Lina Gott (formerly Parson), and nephews Andy Gott and Shawn McMahon.

Visitation will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens (5234 State Hwy EE, Springfield) at 1pm Friday, May 13, with graveside service at 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Andy Gott Memorial Fund (via Community Foundation Of The Ozarks), Integrity Hospice, or any charity of your choice.