Obituary of Eldoris "Boo" E. Gooden
Eldoris “Boo” E. Gooden, 75, of Boothsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV. He was born on January 24, 1949 in Fairmont, a son of the late Fredrick D. and Vivetta M. Summerfield Gooden. Boo is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Linda.
Boo was a 1967 graduate of East Fairmont High School and a Christian by faith. He proudly served in the United States Army, where he served in the Vietnam War. During the war, Boo patrolled the rivers in a PT Boat, and his statute stands tall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at East Marion Park in Fairmont. Boo also worked for over 18 years as a dispatcher with Archwright Company, a printer with A&P Printing, and a laborer with Offshore Drilling. He retired as a coal miner, where he served as a Mobile Equipment Operator in the Loveridge Mine.
In his spare time, Boo enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, visiting casinos, playing scratch off lottery tickets, mowing yards, singing karaoke, dancing at weddings, and cheering on the WVU Mountaineers, especially the Women’s basketball team and men’s football team. During his recent illness, Boo claimed that “His best medicine was his friends and family visiting”, as he found his greatest joy in spending time with his friends and family.
In addition to his wife, Boo is survived by one son, Patrick D. Gooden and his companion Kayla Moorehead of Idamay, two daughters, Dianna C. Criss and her husband Michael of Fairmont, and Debbie A. Gooden and her companion Jeff Henderson of Grafton, siblings, Maryann Lipscomb of Boothsville, Tom Gooden and his companion Shelia Armentrout of Boothsville, Daniel Gooden of Parsons, WV, Vivetta “Sis” Carter of Good Hope, WV, Robert Gooden of Monongah, Rosie Crocker of Virginia, Robin Harper of Fairmont, and Elsie “Pickle” Matheny and Lynn Matheny of Boothsville. He is also survived by one grandson, Brandon Criss, great-grandchildren, Barrett Criss and Remington Criss, three sister-in-laws, Jane Gooden, Patti McKinnell of Denver, CO, and Susie Carol of Denver, CO, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and special friends who were like family in his life.
In addition to his parents, mother-in-law, and father-in-law, Boo was preceded in death by his stepmother, Pearl R. Gooden, siblings, Elsie Ford, David Gooden, Harold Gooden, Lester Gooden, brother-in-laws, Marvin Ford and Bud Lipscomb, and sister-in-laws, Sandy Gooden and Cindy Gooden.
Memorial contributions may be made in Boo’s memory to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42217, Cincinnati, OH 45242.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont. Friends will be received on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 2pm until 8pm and again on Wednesday from 10am until 11am. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday at 11am with Evangelist Kevin Lough officiating. Flag folding military honors will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans Council. In accordance with Boo’s wishes, cremation services will occur. A private committal service will be held for the family at a later date in the West Virginia National Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.
