Albert Vernon Goodman was born July 2, 1925 in Checotah, Oklahoma to James Burton and Anna Jane (James) Goodman. He entered the U. S. Army in September 1943 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in December 1945. Vernon served his country in numerous campaigns and battles overseas, including Luzon, Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea and Southern Philippines. His decorations and medals include the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

Vernon married the former Bertha Lee McElroy, and they were blessed with three children, Verna, David and Philip. He was a member of the Church of God in Wagoner.

Vernon grew up in Ray, Oklahoma and attended South Ray School. When Fort Gibson Lake was formed his family home became under water, but some of their land was in the southern tip of Sequoyah State Park. The children treasure special memories of their dad showing them where he spent his early years. Another fond memory they share is when he would take them to Fourteen Mile Creek so they could play in the water while he fished. That creek was also where he took them to learn how to swim. Vernon enjoyed hunting and fishing his whole life.

His greatest talent lay with his ability to work with wood. His carpentry work was a constant all his life. In his early years Vernon was the head carpenter on many crews as he worked to build bridges and other large jobs as well as building houses. He was a well-known face at Wagoner Lumber when he was employed there. Vernon and his brother, Elvin, owned and operated a concrete company for a time, and he then was employed at Mazie Lumber. After retirement Vernon remained active by building dog houses and making canes.

Vernon departed this life Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Claremore, OK at the age of 95 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burt and Anna Goodman; a sister, Virgie Rosenthal; two brothers, Elvin Goodman and Boyd Goodman.

He is survived by his wife, Bertha Goodman of the home; his daughter and son-in-law, Verna Goodman Bryant and Rick Bryant of Wagoner, OK; son and daughter-in-law, David Lee Goodman and Terri Lynn (Danson) Goodman of Tulsa, OK and son, Philip Loren Goodman of Wagoner, OK; grandchildren and spouses, Allyson (Bryant) Richmond and Kevin Richmond, Melanie (Bryant) Kennedy and Jarod Kennedy, all of Wagoner, OK, Ryan David Goodman and Grant Lee Goodman, both of Tulsa, OK; great-grandchildren, Garrett Blair, Brayden Goodman, McKenna Blair, Addison Kennedy, Tug Kennedy and Gavon Goodman; Brother, Henry Clark Goodman of Baker, Montana; sister, Louise Dunagan of Texanna, OK; many nieces and nephews, other extended family and friends.

The visitation for family and friends will be 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday.

A private family service will be held Thursday with the Reverend Bruce VonWald officiating. Interment will be in Pioneer Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jarod Kennedy, Kevin Richmond, Otto Deacon, Rick Bryant, Ryan Goodman and Grant Goodman. Honorary pallbearers will be Tug Kennedy, Garrett Blair, Brayden Goodman, Gavon Goodman, Wayne Rosenthal, Jim Gladden and Pug Cobb.

Military Funeral Rites will be performed by the United States Army Honors Team.