Thomas Davie Goder, 80, of Clarksville, TN, passed away peacefullysurrounded by his family on February 10, 2013 at Gateway Medical Center following a brief illness.
A celebration of Life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. with the Reverend David Handley officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home and Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 12 p.m. until the hour of service at the church.
He was born on September 20, 1932 in Indianapolis, IN, son of the late Charles J. and Isabella D. Goder. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sarah N. Goder.
Mr. Goder graduated from Culver Military Academy, followed by his service in the U.S. Army where he was a member of the 26th Infantry stationed in Bamburg, Germany.
After returning from the Army he attended and graduated from Indiana University where he met his true love, Sarah Newell. They were married on August 31, 1957 making Danville, Illinois their home where all three of their children were born.
Over the years, Tom's career included a move to Clarksville, TN in 1970 when he accepted a position with Schult Manufactured Homes. He also worked in Saudia Arabia for three years for an aircraft maintenance contractor for the military. He went on to retire from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department after 15 years of service.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he participated in the choir for many years with his wife, Sarah and was a member of the Brotherhood class. He also volunteered at Loaves and Fishes.
Survivors include his children, David C. Goder (Lesa), Elizabeth Wallace and Marjorie G. Frost (Chuck); five grandchildren, Amy E. Goder, Matthew S. Goder, Sarah N. Wallace, Taylor J. Frost, and Megan L. Goder; three great grandchildren, Alyssa Hutchinson, Quentin Goder, and Kymani Tarver-Wallace.
Tom's request was to be cremated and his ashes buried next to his wife, Sarah. Burial will take place in a private family service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 213 Main Street, Clarksville, TN 37040, The St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004, or Loaves and Fishes, PO Box 3241, Clarksville, TN 37043.
Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Online condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.