Eldon E. Gooden, 80, of Seadrift, passed away on January 22, 2012. He was born July 3, 1931 in El Campo to the late Rayshall and Jewell Sellers Gooden. He was retired from Union Carbide and served in the US Navy.

Mr. Gooden was a devoted Husband, Dad, Paw, Grandpa, Paw-Paw, PaPa Eldon, Brother, Neighbor and Friend. He loved river fishing, was a master gardener and a carpenter extraordinaire. He was the epitome of a true Southern Gentleman, Soldier and Friend. He was always more concerned about the needs of others over himself and will be truly missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Janet Williams and husband, Daniel, Vicki Haley and husband, Steve; sons, Ronnie Gooden and wife, Beckey, Timmy Gooden and wife, Felicia; sisters, Venia Brown, Estelle Church, Joyce Boothe, Dorothy Dupnik and Pat Cornett; grandchildren, Bubba, Samantha, Jennifer, Mailorie and Chantelle and great-grandchildren, Tia, Xayvier and Bralyn.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Bessie Gooden; parents and brothers, Stanley, Cleo and Lloyd Gooden.

Graveside services were held Thursday, January 26 at Seadrift Cemetery with Chaplain Carolyn Cowan and Nathan Boothe officiating.

Pallbearers were Ben Plummer, Steve Haley, Francis “Bubba” Williams, Scott Jaynes, Neil Lorfing and Mark Stoddard.

Honorary Pallbearers were Bobby Boyd, “Ax” Dierlam, Allen Braun, Otis Linam, Mitch Cornett, and Daniel Williams.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locus, Victoria, TX 77901 or the American Cancer Society, 4401 Lilac, Victoria, TX 77901.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com .