Everett Kenneth Goad, a proud disabled veteran of the US Air Force(retired), passed away on April 9, 2023, from lung cancer.

Kenneth was the son of Raymond and Mildred Goad, both deceased, Kenneth grew up in the coal mining town Fonde, Kentucky.  He was born on November 02,1937 in Dean Tennessee, where he spent his youth playing in the woods and creeks around his home.  

At the age of 17, Kenneth enlisted in the US Air Force.  He valued his services highly and attained the rank of Staff Sargent (E5).  As a part of this service, Kenneth joined the US Air Force November 29, 1954, he participated in the Vietnam war as a member of SOG.  Kenneth received several awards and medals. 

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon
Air Force Longevity Service Award with 2 bronze star
Army Good Conduct Medal with bronze bar and 2 knots
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 2 bronze oak leaves
Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 bronze oak leaf
Presidential Unit Citation
Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf
Purple Heart which he had to remove due to missing record

Service in a SOG unit was highly secretive, the inherent risk required that everyone had to be a volunteer.  SOG troops weren’t allowed to disclose their location, missions, or any other details surrounding their covert outfit and they couldn’t take photographs—like all good commandos. However, SOG broke that rule frequently, as the numerous pictures from the time suggest.  Service with SOG came with an unspoken agreement that you’d receive either a Purple Heart or body bag.  We believe this is why he cannot wear his purple heart.

Everett Kenneth Goad is survived by his wife Mildred Ann Goad, son James E. Goad, daughters Regina C. Goad and Susan R. McAlister, grandson Daniel L. Cobb and his wife Megan Cobb, great-granddaughter Addyson M. Cobb, all from Amarillo, Texas, a granddaughter Elizabeth C. Yoder and her husband Trent S. Yoder from Carobro, North Carolina, and granddaughter Catlin G. Sullivan and her husband David Sullivan Jr.  Kenneth is also survived by his three sisters Gwen Bass, Canella Hammond, and Myra Barron all living in Florida.

All his loved ones will remember him for his love of the outdoors, playing poker, traveling, his staunch love of his country and family.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 17, 2023, at Lighthouse Funeral Home Chapel, 3707 Wolflin Ave., in Amarillo.