Joseph Ronald Goodman

Joseph Ronald Goodman, Sr. passed peacefully in the early morning of July 23, surrounded by his beloved family.

Joe was the second son born to RC and Dorothy Goodman, in Little Rock on May 31, 1949. Joe was part of the talented Goodman family of five loving brothers, raised in Fort Smith, AR with integrity and devotion to family, religion, and education.

Joe (Toad) loved the sport of football and excelled at Northside HS as an All State selectee and chose Arkansas State to play as a defensive lineman. Proud of his team as they won the Pecan Bowl National Champions in 1970. Joe became a member of ROTC and was commissioned into the medical service corp. During that time he also learned to fly fixed wing small aircraft, and still managed to earn his degree in Physical Education.

Love filled in the spaces, as he married his sweetheart, Leeann Benefiel in 1969. They blended into college life with many good friends in their football family, as they both completed their degrees and prepared for a life as members of the US Army.

First assigned to Fort Sam Houston, in 1972, military life became a much loved circle of hard work and duty, and forever friends. He was selected for helicopter training, initially at Fort Wolters Texas,and completed training at Fort Rucker, Al. Two darling tow headed boys joined the family during these early years, and adored their hero Dad. Joe began piloting Med Evac helicopters at Fort Rucker then began a three year tour in Germany. A wonderful tour of duty with many new BEST friends. A short training class at Fort Sam Houston, led to the next assignment at Fort Benning, Georgia. Three years there and the addition of a new daughter, was followed by an assignment to the 321 Air Evac Unit in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1984. As commander of this Unit they deployed to Desert Storm in Fall, 1990 and returned home in March, 1991.

The new phase as a civilian, Joe was to attain a Masters of Business from Westminster College, in SLC. He joined the aerospace company Herculese, where he excelled as financial manager. 2000 led to another move to Corinth, MS, where he worked for Hercules, now Alliant Techsystems. He retired in 2010, and began to enjoy his life with a Bass boat, a bevy of granddaughters, and time to volunteer in our church food pantry as well as serving on the board of the newly established Children's Day Care. As his parents' health began to decline, he was grateful to spend many weeks in their assistance in Fort Smith, as well as supporting his in-laws whom he brought to Corinth to be nearer.

Joe loved to join his brothers for some Texas bass fishing, and Montana Fly fishing, and never missed a game of killer croquet.

2017 presented itself with the desire to be closer to our Salt Lake family. This will be the LAST move...he voiced often as we packed and loaded and felt the strain of older age. A move to Mesquite, NV seemed to have some appeal, and when we met our new neighbors, the decision was solid. Major downsized and much smaller space, but still we had slumber weekends with our grandkids, swim fun and trips up for holidays and even meeting half way for lunch.

Then BOOM, COVID hit!!Life changed overnight, we missed everything!! One fantastic surprise...our daughter and son in law surprised us with a darling baby BOY!! Did manage to sneak up to see him, pure perfection!!

Days after Covid ended, Joe's health began to decline, and in Dec. 2023, he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, Myelofibrosis. We were sad and in shock, but although it has no cure, other than bone marrow transplant, his symptoms were not too severe. During late 2025, and this current year his health began to deteriorate, he suffered 4 bouts of double pneumonia, hospitalized four times, and this along with prior health problems, contributed to the use of oxygen, loss of appetite and weakness. He was Life flighted to U of U hospital, (critical care) after two stays in icu.at local hospital. All the doctors and staff were so devoted to him and did amazing work. He fought the hardest battle, and won the war. He is healed and at peace with his Lord, best friends, Doug and David, his dogs Junko and Goose, His kitty Zorro,and his much loved brother, Wyndal.

Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Leeann. Son Joe Jr. and wife Melinda, son Matt and wife Aurora, and daughter Melissa and husband Phillip. We are blessed with 10 grandchildren, Brackston, Trey, Hayden, Brevynn, Avery, Elsa, Kendall, Karlie, Cooper and Calder Joseph!! His brothers, Dr. Cole Goodman , wife Staci Charles Goodman, wife Cassie Dr. Robin Goodman, wife Mona

Preceded in death by his father, Dr. Raymond Goodman, mother Dorothy Goodman, and brother Wyndal Goodman. His in-laws, Loyd and Irene Benefiel. And a multitude of extended loving family and friends.

Joe will have a simple memorial,at his request, with full military honors and will be laid to rest at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park., Bluffdale, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any no-kill animal shelter.