Floyd Russel “Rus” Goodno
1928-2015
Floyd Russel (Russ) Goodno of Edmond departed this earth on Monday, August 24th. Born in Ludington, Michigan, on September 2, 1928, Russ grew up in Aline, Oklahoma, with his parents, George and Erma Goodno, and five brothers and sisters.
Russ had perfect attendance from the first grade through graduation from high school. After graduating from Phillips University in Enid, he joined the Air Force and served during the Korean War. For most of his service to our country, he was stationed in France and travelled through Europe every chance he got. He remembered those years fondly.
After returning to the States, Russ taught junior high school in Hominy, Oklahoma for several years. After achieving a master’s degree in history and a doctorate in education at Oklahoma State University, he taught history at Central State College, now known as University of Central Oklahoma for 35 years, retiring as emeritus professor. In his retirement, he pursued horticulture with academic vigor, becoming a master gardener. Russ was a highly talented carpenter and loved the art of woodworking. He counted the friendships he forged through this pursuit as a blessing in his life.
Russ met Judith Neyland in November of 1968 and proposed marriage a month later. They married in August of 1969. Just days ago, they celebrated 46 loving and adventurous years of marriage. Together they traveled to many corners of the world and gave generously to the causes important to them. They shared interest in current events, politics, gardening and cooking. Russ was a wonderful and caring husband, and will be so dearly missed by his wife Judith.
Russ never hesitated to boast of his two children, Robert and George. He dearly loved his daughters-in-law, Jennifer and Katie. Russ was 77 years old when he first became a grandfather. Five more exceptional grandchildren followed, and he loved to talk and be with them as often as possible. No one has ever loved his grandchildren more.
Russ was an educator and mentor to many. His pursuit of knowledge was life-long, and he never tired of reading. He possessed not just formidable intelligence to the end, but a force of will and physical strength of body that allowed him to overcome all challenges. Though his body gradually failed him, he never complained of his condition or of physical pain. Despite his travels, he remained a small town boy who generally preferred the simple things. He loved Dr. Pepper and salted peanuts, though he appreciated good French press coffee and a nice crème brulee.
Russ became a Catholic while serving in the Air Force. For the six decades that followed he remained ever faithful. He loved his family with all his heart, and that love was reciprocated. Quite simply, he was the most unique and interesting man we have ever known.
Russ is survived by his loving wife Judith, son Robert, daughter-in-law Jennifer, son George, daughter-in-law Katie, and grandchildren Griffin, Ellie, Gibson, Rory, Annabelle and Maeve. Also surviving are his sisters, Mary Vignon and Barbara, and brother Ted, along with many dearly loved nieces and nephews.
During the last weeks of his life, Russ enjoyed the company of close friends John and Dixie Tymitz, Richard Peters, his dear sisters-in-law Dianne Thompson, Carolyn Pargeter and her husband Terry, as well as his beloved niece Linda Carter and her husband Emmett. Forty-six years ago, John and Richard served as best men at his wedding. Dixie sang Ave Maria, and Linda took all the pictures. Just days before he left us, his nephew Steve, and nieces Sherry and Sheila came for a visit and to share a meal. He also enjoyed one last good talk with his dear friend Jim Webster. These events meant so much to Russ. Everyone was unaware that his physical presence would leave us so soon. The memories will last forever.
He was very proud of his legacy as an educator. Even more, he loved the life he created with his family. He said so many times that he had a good life. He did indeed.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 900 S Littler Ave, Edmond, OK 73034 on Saturday, August 29 th at 10am.
Russ supported many causes, but was especially fond of organizations that supported education, the sick and those in need. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the name of Russ Goodno to the University of Central Oklahoma Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7