He was born in Bursa in 1932. He completed his primary, secondary, and high school education at Galatasaray High School. He completed his higher education at Karlsruhe University in Germany. After returning to Turkey, he served as general manager, founder, and chairman of the board of directors of various companies in Bursa. He served as a board member and vice president of the council at the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO).

He became a municipal council member in 1973. He was appointed deputy chairman of the municipal council. In 1983, he was among the founders of the Motherland Party (ANAP) in Bursa. In the general election held in the same year, he was elected as a member of parliament from Bursa. His parliamentary status ended in 1987. Memduh Gökçen did not become a candidate again and withdrew from active political life.

Memduh Gökçen, who supports the history and cultural studies of Bursa and contributed to the publication of the Bursa Encyclopedia, is the Honorary President of Gökçen Holding, of which his son Mehmet Celal Gökçen is the CEO.