Celebration of Life for Richard Wayne Goodner will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2025, in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial with military honors will be in the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma.

Richard Wayne Goodner, 72, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Porum, Oklahoma on August 7, 1952, Richard was the son of William "Bill" Goodner and Betty Jean Goodner. As an "Army brat," he traveled extensively throughout his childhood, living in Fort Ord, California; El Paso, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia; Germany (twice); and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. When his father was stationed in places where the family couldn't follow, they always waited for his return in Porum.

Richard graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1970. After high school, he worked at the 7-Up bottling company before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1971. He served four years aboard the USS John F. Kennedy as a Boatswain's Mate and was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer Third Class in 1975. After leaving the U.S. Navy he went to work  for The Public Service Company of Oklahoma, retiring as a supervisor after 33 years.

A devoted family man, Richard cherished time with his son, Dusty, and his grandchildren, Anaiya and Eli. He was their loudest supporter at ball games, always cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm. He took great pride in raising cattle and pigs and tending to his yard. In his free time, he enjoyed catching up with old friends at Helen's Club and the VFW.

Richard was tough as nails, sharp as a tack, and kind to the core. He lived life on his own terms, never sugarcoating his thoughts but always speaking from the heart. Quick with a joke and steady in a storm, he left the world better than he found it. Though he will be deeply missed, knowing Richard, he'd tell us all to "quit the tears and be happy."

He was preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" and Betty Jean Goodner; his sister, Norma Bowen; and his brother, Frank Goodner.

He is survived by his son, Dustin Goodner, and daughter-in-law, Marieli Goodner; his grandchildren, Anaiya and Eli Goodner; his stepchildren, Justin Hernandez and Monica Mauricio; his sister, Peggy Hall, and brother-in-law, David Hall; his brother, Bryan Butler; as well as two nephews and three nieces.