DAVE GOODNIGHT
Dave Goodnight passed away Thursday morning, March 27, 2008 at his residence in Gainesville, MO. He was 53 years old.
Dave felt fortunate to have been adopted at birth by a loving Christian family. Dave was the second son of Charles and Louise (Slawson) Goodnight. He was their Christmas gift, having been born on December 21, 1954 in Dallas, TX. They were able to take him home on Christmas Eve, where he was welcomed by an older brother, Paul.
Dave's father Charles was a church of Christ preacher for 50 years, so the family moved around the state of Texas whenever he would take over at a different church. Dave saw many places, met many people, and said that he was in the church more than any of his other friends.
He recalled that on many occasions his parents would take in soldiers and their families if they found themselves in a tight situation. He often wondered how many Sunday dinners, bridal, or wedding showers his mother hosted. He said that he had some pretty plump cheeks and during theses times was the perfect opportunity for ladies to pinch them.
Dave spent most of his adult life in Texas. He worked as an EMT for a few years, where he unwillingly delivered several babies. They didn't always make it to the hospital, but they always tried. He also served as sheriff of Foard County, being the youngest person ever elected sheriff in the state of Texas.
While Dave liked law enforcement, during his EMT years he found that he might be cut out for a different profession. He was introduced to the funeral industry by a friend and pursued this as his career in the early 1980's. He worked as a funeral director in his hometown of Killeen, TX for several years, and later held a position with Batesville Casket Company.
On July 6, 1990 Dave married Lisa Ellis at Bull Shoals State Park. Instead of being transferred to Los Angeles, CA he chose to seek employment in Missouri. He and Lisa moved to Gainesville when he accepted a position with Clinkingbeard Funeral Home. For the next 18 years Dave did the job that he believed he was born to do. When he worked with a family during their time of loss, his love and concern was very evident. He always felt that he owed each family the respect that he hoped would be given to him if the roles were reversed. HE SUCCEEDED.
When Dave and Lisa married, he got a package deal. Austin was only two years old at that time. Upon meeting Dave, Austin said "Hi. What's your name? Can I have those boots off your feet?" Dave gave him the boots and all of the love that he had to give. Theirs is a unique and wonderful relationship that has been full of love. All three have been very blessed in their life together.
Dave is survived by his wife Lisa, son Austin, and the best dog in the world, Scout all of the family's home; brother Paul Goodnight and wife Candy of Utopia, TX and their adult children John, Lee Ann, and Stacy; father and mother-in-law Loy and Arlene Ellis of Mountain Grove, MO and their adult children Debbie, Lanny, Tommy, and Vicky.
He also leaves behind someone who has been like a second mother to him, Olline Yocham. Dave and Olline's relationship started soon after he came to Gainesville, and while working together the past 17 years they truly have become family.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Louise Goodnight.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 29, 2008 @ 10:00 AM at the Gainesville Church of Christ with Halbert Smith officiating. Burial was at Boatman Cemetery north of Mountain Grove, MO. Visitation was Friday evening, March 28th from 6-8 PM.
Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava and Gainesville, directors.