Orval Lee Goodson

Orval Lee Goodson

1935-2015

Orval Lee Goodson passed away at the age of 80, on August 11, 2015 in Edmond, Oklahoma with his family at his side.

He was born on June 28, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri to Estel and Aleeane Goodson.

Orval started his incredible work ethic at a young age, by working in a bowling alley setting pins for 1 cent a game. He also worked for Meadow Gold, he delivered milk to restaurants and stores in Kansas City, and Wichita, Kansas for 18 years. He also delivered milk door to door to homes in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, and Edmond, Oklahoma. In his spare time as well as his vacation time he ran routes for self owned Meadow Gold employees. Orval served his country in the National Guard for 15 years, he served in Wyoming, Missouri, and Minnesota. He moved his family to Edmond, Oklahoma in 1967.

In Edmond, he started work at Ralston Purina, where he worked many hours, even overtime when he was needed. While working for Ralston Purina, he set many records on his production line and appeared on the cover of the company magazine. He retired after 29 years of service. Orval's dedication and work ethic was passed on to his children, who exhibit that today. He was a kind, generous, and dependable man. On many weekends he worked for local farmers hauling hay. This helped to take care of his wife and 6 children.

Orval had many hobbies which included bowling, fishing, going to auctions, and estate sales. Upon his retirement he did not sit idle long, he taught himself woodworking. He proudly made cedar chests for his grandchildren, bookshelves, head boards for beds, wine cabinets, and other assorted furniture. He made each one with love and passion for his family. He made them to last many years.

On August 4, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas he and Ellen Jane Myers were married. They have loved and cared for each other and their family for 61 years. In 1967 they moved to Edmond, Oklahoma and built a home where they still live today. At the time it was the only house on the block surrounded by mostly farmland. There were only 8,000 people in Edmond in 1967 and now there are more than 86,000.

Orval was preceded in death by his parents, Estel and Aleeane Goodson, brothers Ray, Bill, Kenneth, and his grandson Aaron Riddle. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Ellen, his 6 children, daughters, Vikki, Karen and Chirsti and his sons Rick and wife Rebecca, Doug and wife Donna, Danny and wife Lisa. His is also survived by 14 grandchildren, and brothers Rex, Fred, Corky, and sister Laura.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2015 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel with interment at Gracelawn Cemetery, Edmond, OK.