Delmer Ford Gooden

Delmer Ford Gooden, 87, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.

He was born on June 30, 1935, in Cleveland, to the late Rev. Lon W. Gooden and Laura Mairanda Gooden (Stephenson). Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Elgie Gooden of Cleveland and Allen Gooden of Kenner, Louisiana.

He was employed at Bowater Southern Paper Company for 43 and a half years (the half was important to him, and he always said it with a smile). He retired in 2001. He was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Cleveland where he sang in the choir for over 25 years.

After retiring, Delmer and Patsy enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and traveling. They discovered a mutual love for “RVing” and journeyed this great country in their motorhome with the Tennessee Travelers Motor Coach Association.

Delmer leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 27 years, Patsy Dalton Gooden. He had no children of his own but loved Patsy’s family as his own. He leaves behind one daughter; two sons and their spouses, Cassie and Mike Keller, Chris and Jo Ann James, Bobby and Karmen James; seven grandchildren, Jill Taubert and husband, Austen, RaeAnn Keller, Kadie Keller, Camryn James, Kelsey James, Payton James and Jesse James; two great-grandchildren, Addison Taubert and Norah Taubert; and his sister, Jannie Mantooth of Cleveland.

His family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at First Baptist Church Cleveland, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 3 p.m. with the Revs. Tom Wickes and Larry Hess officiating.

Graveside services are to be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Cleveland.

Pallbearers will be Chris James, Bobby James, Mike Keller, Austen Taubert, Ricky Carson and Tony Edwards. Honorary pallbearer is Jasper Ogle.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church Cleveland “Generations Fund” or Isaiah 117 House in Bradley/Polk County.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Delmer and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. 

Companion Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.