Sunday, June 17, 2007
Louis Samuel “Gunner” Goodman, 57, of Kyle, Texas, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2007 at his home. He was born June 23, 1949, in Strawn, Texas.
Louis was preceded in death by his father, John Samuel Goodman and his sister, Margie Fay Hurst.
He is survived by mother, Ruthie Fay Goodman; wife, Elvira M. Goodman; sons, John, Joseph, Louis and Mark Goodman; grandchild, Gage Goodman; four brothers, Lonnie, Tommy, John and Larry Joe Goodman; six sisters, Alice, Bonnie, Diane, Josephine, Wanda and Rosie; and brothers and sisters-in-law. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Louis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June, 1968. His numerous duties included: Machine Gun Squad Leader in Vietnam, where he was awarded three Purple Hearts, Military Policeman, Brig Guard, Weapons Platoon Sergeant, Marine Detachment Gunnery Sergeant, Recon Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander, NCO School Instructor, Infantry Training School Instructor, Guard Chief at Camp David, Emergency Action NCO in the Joint Operations Center for Central Command while at Marine Barracks-Panama, Military Advisor for Naval Construction Battalion 7, Operations Chief at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms, California.
Louis retired from the Marines in January 1992, after 23 years of service. In July 1995, “Gunner” Goodman helped establish the Marine Corps Junior ROTC program at Jack C. Hays High School in Buda and served as the Marine Instructor there until June 2005.
By a unanimous vote, the Hays CISD School Board approved the dedication of the new Junior ROTC facility at Hays High School as “Goodman Hall” at the start of the 2007-2008 school year.
His military awards include: Purple Heart with two gold stars, Joint Service Commendation, Navy Commendation w/two stars, Navy Achievement with V, Combat Action with one star, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation with two stars, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Efficiency, Good Conduct with one silver star, National Defense with one star, Vietnam Service w/three stars, Humanitarian Service, Sea Service with one star, Overseas Service with one star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm leaf, Vietnam Civil Action with palm leaf, Vietnam Campaign with 60 device, Southeast Asian Campaign with two stars, Desert Storm Southwest with palm, Presidential Service Badge, Expert Rifle Badge/7th award, and Marksman Pistol Badge.
Services will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Kyle. Visitation will be available one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Live Oak Cemetery directly after the church service. The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to the ALS Association, South Texas Chapter, 6800 Park Ten Blvd., Suite 220 N., San Antonio, TX 78213.
