John Frederick Gooden

John Frederick Gooden, 94, passed away on December 28, 2020 at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Danville, IL.

John was born on February 23, 1926 to the late Addie (Jim) Gooden and Mae Carswell Gooden.   He was married 73 years to Rosann Minnick Gooden.  They were married on February 14, 1947 in Williamsport, IN.

John was a 1944 graduate of West Lebanon High School.  After graduation he served in the US Navy aboard a ship in the Pacific where he was injured and lost most of his hearing.  He observed the raising of the US flag on Iwo Jima from his ship offshore on his 19^thbirthday. He farmed for several years and then worked at Olin Corporation, Mobil Oil, as an inspector for the Indiana State Highway Department and drove a school bus for MSD of Warren County. 

John enjoyed hunting, mushrooming, reading, watching NASCAR racing and mowing his yard.   He was an avid Cubs and IU basketball fan.  He was able to go on the first Honor Flight to Washington D.C.  He was a member of the W.L. Fire Department, W.L. Christian Church, Masonic Lodge and American Legion.

Surviving are his wife Rosann, daughter, Connie (Mike) Brenner and son Mike Gooden.  Also surviving 9 grandchildren, Jeff Brenner, Michelle Blackburn, Tracey McDaniel, Rustin Gooden, Katie Clemmons, Greg Gooden, Amber Gooden, Terri Klodzen, Lacey Thompson and 14 great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by a son, Terry, 3 brothers, E.D., Henry, Jim and 2 sisters, Charlene and Sue. 

Due to COVID-19, a graveside service will be held at the West Lebanon Cemetery on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. with full military honors. Bruce Thornsbrough and Jeff Brenner will be officiating. Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the West Lebanon Christian Church or West Lebanon Fire Department. The family requests that guests adhere to CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and masks.