John Wallace Gooden left this earth peacefully to be with the Lord on the afternoon of Monday, December 12, 2022, surrounded by the love of a terrific family. John was born in Trinidad Colorado on October 1, 1936 to James Francis Gooden and Thora Rose Benton Gooden.
His family plans to have a memorial service in the Spring of 2023.
John proudly enlisted in the US Navy, serving our country from July 1955 to September 1957, achieving the title of Boatswain’s Mate aboard the USS Los Angeles CA-135 Baltimore-class heavy cruiser. John was honorably discharged to the Naval Reserve. The majority of John’s career was spent as a financial planner, helping numerous people successfully achieve their financial goals. He was a giant in the eyes of many, a loving husband, father, son, and a good friend to everyone who was blessed to know him. He regularly attended St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Amarillo Texas. John loved time spent with his family, especially if it involved fishing in New Mexico.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James Gooden and Frank Gooden, and sister Dolly Gooden Trocki.
John is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Geri Skender Gooden; his two children Lynne Gooden Wilson and husband Dewey of Dallas Texas, and John Lewis Gooden and wife Joan of Colleyville Texas; granddaughter Tiffani Wilson Wise and husband Brian of Plano Texas, granddaughter Erin Wilson Mackie and husband Adam of Plano Texas, grandson Daniel Gooden and wife Hwvar of Kensington Australia, granddaughter Hannah Gooden of Columbia Maryland; great-granddaughter Kimber Wise, and great-granddaughter Nora Mackie, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that requests for masses or donations be made in John’s name to St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral (stmarysamarillo.com) or to the Salvation Army.
Lynne, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
Debbie Davis
The love and respect I have for this man will remain with me.
He could put me in place when I needed it. His care of my Mother
During my Father passing was such much appreciated. Witty and engaging conversation was a specialty with John. Although I was not in constant contact I kept up with his well being via my Mother and family contacts. To me he was as respected and loved as my father (his brother Jim). Thank you John for the 58.
Thank you for sharing your experience (good or bad).
Thank you for letting me be a small part of your large life.
I met John W Gooden in the American General Life new agents school in 1985 or 1986. He was funny and very engaging in the meetings and we had fun learning about the insurance business together. He later introduced me to his son John L Gooden who came to work in our agency in 1991 and went on to start his own practice. Great family!
My sincere condolences to all of you! Geri, I love you and know what a wonderful wife you were to John. He was such a sweetheart! God bless you!!
Lucy & Richard Jalbert
Geri I am so very sorry for your loss. I admired John. He was a good man and always took care of me. You were alwaya such a wonderful wife. Always by his side! Good bless you Geri!!