News Summary
The Williamsburg community is in mourning after the recent passings of Lou W. Gochenour, Dwight Earl ‘Whitey’ Gochenour, and Lawrence Alan Richardson. Each of these individuals made significant contributions to the community, leaving behind legacies of love and service. Friends and family will remember their warmth and impact, with memorial services being planned to honor their memories.
Williamsburg is in mourning following the recent passings of three notable residents: Lou W. Gochenour, Dwight Earl “Whitey” Gochenour, and Lawrence Alan Richardson. Their contributions to the community and the lives they impacted will be remembered fondly by friends and family.
Lou W. Gochenour, age 91, died peacefully on October 15, 2025. Born on April 3, 1934, in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, Lou was the daughter of Dr. John A. Wierman and Frances Flohr Wierman. She grew up with two siblings: her sister Jo Wierman Koch, who resides in Atlanta, GA, and her late brother Jack F. Wierman. Lou was preceded in death by her husband Richard E. Gochenour. She is survived by two children, David Kent Gochenour from Haymarket, VA, and Janelle Gochenour of Williamsburg, VA. Lou was also a grandmother to Ana Limerick from Collegeville, PA, and had two nieces and nephews, Jennifer Koch and Michael Koch, also from Atlanta, GA. A private memorial service is set to take place at a later date to honor her memory.
Dwight Earl “Whitey” Gochenour passed away on December 20, 2020, at the age of 75. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Louise Gochenour, along with his parents Grace Cave Gochenour and William Jacob Gochenour, as well as nine siblings. As the youngest of 14 children, Dwight had a unique upbringing, being raised by his older siblings Ivan and Charlotte Gochenour after losing their parents. He graduated from Luray High School in 1963, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years, earning accolades like the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Upon returning from service, he attended the Virginia State Police Academy and served as a sergeant for 37 years until his retirement. Widely involved in community activities, he was a member of the Lions Club and the Virginia State Police Alumni Association, enjoying hobbies that included golfing and visiting Virginia wineries with his friend Carol. Dwight is survived by his daughter Amy Joy Rowan, sons Dwight Earl Gochenour II and Richard Nelsen Morris, as well as several grandchildren. A visitation was held on December 29 at Nelsen Funeral Home, with interment at Mount Zion Cemetery on December 30.
Lawrence Alan Richardson, born on June 22, 1958, in Newport News, VA, passed away at home in Williamsburg, VA, on November 9, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer that lasted 10.5 years. He is survived by his husband Jim Gochenour, son Tyler, parents Larry and Johanne, sister Janet, brother-in-law Allen, as well as nephew Drew and his family, and brother-in-law Jeff Gochenour. Lawrence was a graduate of Bethel High School in 1976 and earned his degree from VCU in 1985. During his professional career, he served as Executive Vice President of Strategic Patient Solutions for the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF). An active member of the community, he held the title of past president of the West End Jaycees and the Virginia JCI Senate. His interests included running in 5k races, attending live concerts, wine tasting, and hosting gatherings with friends. A memorial service is scheduled at Bucktrout Funeral Home on November 15, 2023, with a viewing beforehand; interment will be private.
The loss of Lou, Dwight, and Lawrence has left a profound impact on the Williamsburg community, who will remember them not only for their individual contributions but also for the warmth they brought to the lives of those around them. Each of them leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and dedication to community service that will be cherished and honored.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Colonial Williamsburg Named Finalist in Haunted Destination Contest
Williamsburg, Virginia: A Thriving Hub for Spooky Experiences
Mayor Proclaims Day of Remembrance Sparking Community Debate
Body Discovered at Trinity United Methodist Church in Poquoson
Virginia Prepares for High-Stakes General Election 2025
Williamsburg Hosts Inaugural Pancake Festival and Arts Event
West Virginia Ranks High in Physician Availability
Williamsburg Introduces Physical Guest Parking Passes
Community Vigils Held Nationwide for Slain Commentator
Cash Arehart to Run Unopposed for Williamsburg Revenue Commissioner
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Dwight Gochenour
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- Daily Press: Lawrence Alan Richardson
- Google Search: Williamsburg VA obituaries
- WY Daily: Dwight Earl “Whitey” Gochenour
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- DNROnline: Janet M. Gochenour
- Google News: Williamsburg Virginia
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
