Mr Robert Lee Goodman's Obituary
Robert Lee Goodman passed peacefully from this world on Monday evening, November 24, 2014 due to complications of a stroke. The resolute Texan and proud Aggie was 89 years old. He was born in Graham, Texas but grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas with his mother Bessie Wheeler Goodman after losing his father in 1931. His early years were not the easiest, forging in him a fierce determination to succeed and to one day create a secure, loving home for a family. He proudly accomplished both.
A consummate member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Goodman was one of thousands ready to serve at the outbreak of World War II. He left Texas A&M’s Class of ’46 after one year of study, joining the US Army at Abilene. He eventually was assigned to the now-disbanded 14th Armored Division, and saw duty in France and Germany. His role was that of the battalion historian, capturing images and accounts of action, the perfect task for the amateur photographer and budding civil engineer.
At the war’s conclusion, Mr. Goodman returned to complete his education, graduating from A&M in 1948. He moved to Houston in June of that year to work as a structural engineer for Freese, Nichols and Turner, the first of many engineering firms that would benefit from the contributions of Goodman’s intellect and unswerving precision. Retirement came in 1990 when he left SIP Engineering and subsequently formed his own consulting firm, RLG, Incorporated.
In 1952, he would meet the love of his life at Houston’s First Christian Church. He and Frances Eastburn were married the next year. Three sons, Paul, Kenneth and John, would complete the family. Each would attain the rank of Eagle Scout due in large part to the unending lessons and guidance their father generously provided as both Scoutmaster and loving parent.
Mr. Goodman leaves behind Frances, his devoted wife of 61 years, his three sons – Paul and his wife Barbara of Gulfport, Florida, Kenneth and his wife Sharon of Pearland, and John and his wife Rosa of Houston – and three adoring grandchildren, Alexander and David Goodman of Houston and USMC Corporal Desiree Goodman stationed at NAS Belle Chasse in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The family wishes to express profound thanks to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital in Houston, in particular the caring and compassionate Palliative Ward staff who so gently cared for Mr. Goodman in his last days.
Services will be held at South Park Cemetery, 1310 N. Main Street in Pearland, Texas on Friday, November 28th. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel, followed by services at 12:30 p.m. A graveside military flag ceremony will conclude the remembrance.
Those who wish to make a donation in recognition of this long, beautifully-lived life should consider the Wounded Warrior Project or other worthy organizations that support America’s invaluable military.
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