Robert Wayne Goodner

September 26, 1946 in Odessa, Texas, the nurses all gathered 'round to stare in wide wonder at the joy they had found. Woody and Helen Goodner had just welcomed their first child, Robert W. "Bob" Goodner. Little did the world know what the Holy Spirit had in store to pour out through this child. Bob was bad (the good kind) to the bone right through to his very spirit.

During his sophomore year in high school, Bob's mother passed away. Woody was distraught, and Bob, with great support from his Aunt Theresa, helped shoulder the load to care for his three younger siblings Teresa, Buddy, and James. Perhaps it was during these next two years that Bob developed his deep sense of responsibility and sacrifice. As one might imagine times could be turbulent in the Goodner house (the fist fights between Bob and Buddy are tales of epic lore), but Bob cherished his siblings and continually sought to repair any rifts that followed his mother's untimely passage.

After graduating Permian High School and during the height of the Vietnam Conflict, Bob marched straight to the recruiting office and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. When presented the opportunity to become a mechanic and stay State-side rather than go to war, Bob refused. It would be heavy weapons in the Marine Corps infantry. Bob faced many tribulations in the Marine Corps even as far as having to carry a friend's body back to base camp. Being the shortest of the platoon, Bob was often voluntold to crawl down tight tunnels with a flashlight and a .45 caliber pistol to check for possible snipers laying in wait. During his time in the USMC, Bob learned discipline, sacrifice, perseverance, and developed a serious hatred for salt water showers and canned Spam.

Towards the end of his military career, Bob was finally able to meet Mary Hearn, the young woman who, through an effort at her best friend's church, had been corresponding with Bob. Whether it was that meeting or the numerous letters he received from her, Bob was smitten. He was fortunate to woo Mary whose indominable will would wrangle and nurture his wild spirit and introduce him to Jesus Christ. Together, Bob and Mary had three children: David, Daniel, and Allen. As a locket recently found stated, Bob adored and admired Mary for their whole 57 years together.

As the Holy Spirit directed, Bob grew to be a powerful servant and true friend to everyone he met. Everyone who has met Bob has fallen in love with him. At work he was known for being dependable, responsible, loyal, and friendly. Bob worked as if working for the Lord. Within the Church, Bob was known for wisdom and caring. He taught Bible classes, established and hosted a children's Bible Hour, and eventually served as an Elder of the Clyde Church of Christ.

Bob was also an involved father. He helped his boys learn and practice any sport they chose. He attended every game, band concert, marching contest, play, and graduation. He taught his boys to work hard, do their best, to be good sports, a little bit of algebra, and, when necessary, to defend themselves "should it come to that." He could keep his boys entertained with his quick wit and play fighting. Most important, he passed along his spiritual grit.

Bob's favorite role, though, was definitely being BobBob. BobBob, his grandfather name, was known for spoiling children's appetites, paying them to go to sleep at night, and going to any length to make sure his grandchildren, Sean, Emily, Garrison, and Ryan, felt safe and loved. BobBob has walked miles in the heat at the Abilene CALF festival, watched countless hours of Upward soccer, attended awards shows and martial arts belt tests, and unnecessarily pushed a spoiled grandchild around the aquarium in a wheelchair. If there was a super bowl of grandfathering, BobBob would be the undisputed champ.

Sadly, Bob succumbed to health issues Wednesday, April 22, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Woody and Helen Goodner, his sister Teresa, and his brother Buddy. Bob is survived by his wife, Mary, his sons David (and wife Marie), Daniel (and wife Melissa), and Allen (and wife Samantha), his grandchildren Sean, Emily, Garrison, and Ryan, and his brother, James (and wife Cynthia).

The Holy Spirit worked through Bob to demonstrate the righteousness and compassion of God. Family, employers, colleagues, and friends can all attest that Bob produced good fruit. He was kind, gentle, and good. Despite his fair share of troubles, Bob was perpetually joyful and walked confidently in God's peace. As his middle son, I can vouch for his patience and self-control... I tested both regularly.

If you would like to meet with Bob's family, visitation will be held at Edward's Funeral Home in Eastland, Texas Friday, May 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM; "Bob" stories are most welcome. Should you wish to honor Bob and give thanks to the God who adopted and strengthened him, the funeral will be held at Clyde Church of Christ in Clyde, Texas at 10:00 AM followed by a graveside service at the Bear Springs cemetery near Carbon, Texas.