Robert Arden Gooden, 91, recently of Irwin County, died Friday, September 28, 2012, at Osceola Nursing Home, Ocilla, Georgia, with his daughters at his side.
Funeral Services will be held in Mancelona, Michigan, through Mortenson Funeral Home on a date yet to be determined.
Mr. Gooden was born at his childhood home in Mancelona, Michigan, on April 27, 1921 to William Freeman Gooden and Catherine Burton Gooden. He graduated from Mancelona High School as valedictorian in 1939. During the war years he alternately worked and attended college at what became Michigan State University. He was unable to serve in the military due to a crippling defect at birth. He graduated with honor in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
He was a loving husband and father, having married Zella Clair Dennis in 1949 and having two daughters, one step-daughter and two stepsons. He worked during his professional life designing machines and tools mainly for the auto industry in Detroit, Michigan. His hobbies were hunting all types of game, ice fishing, golf and bingo, as well as ballroom dancing.
He lived his retirement years in North Fort Myers, Florida, at Tamiami Village. He loved his years in South Florida. Early in 2012, he came to Georgia and lived his last days at the Osceola Nursing Home. Up until he suffered the illness that confined him, he lived independently, walked daily, and drove all over Fort Myers. Now he is enjoying living in the presence of the Lord!
He leaves behind his daughters, Jonni Lynn Snyder (Craig) of Ocilla and Barbara Sue Bennett (Cory) of Knoxville, TN; stepsons, Dennis Franks of Santa Barbara, CA, and James Franks (Susan) of Hot Springs Village, AR; grandchildren, Peter (Joey) Snyder, David Snyder, Stephen (Leah) Snyder, Laura (DJ) Decker, Katye (Ed) Wood, Abigail Bennett, Jonathan Bennett, Emily Bennett, Sharon (James) Field, Gordon (Kristin) Garrett, Robert (July) Garrett, Susan Armstrong, Kathy (Jack) Lacivita, James (Barbara) Franks, Julie Ann Young, Patrick Franks, James F. Franks, Jr., Diana Franks; more than 20 great- grandchildren; one sister, Bina Gooden Wilson, 94, of Bellaire, MI, and sister-in-law, Betty Gooden of Mancelona, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Zella Clair Gooden, his parents, his brothers, Gerald and Ronald, sisters, Vilma and Emily, and stepdaughter, Bettie Lee Garrett.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to: the Foundation for Educational Leadership, 925 View Harbour Rd., Knoxville, TN 37934, (or online at www.ffel.org), or the Activities Fund, Osceola Nursing Home, 209 W. Hudson St., Ocilla, GA 31774.