George William "Bill" Gooden

Herrin- George William "Bill" Gooden, age 73, of Herrin, passed away at 7:48pm on Monday, August 13, 2007 at Herrin Hospital. George was born in Herrin on May 19, 1934, the son of James and Zethal (Morgan) Gooden. He married Elizabeth Ann Yates on September 25, 1954. She passed away on August 20, 1968. He later married Darla Fern Kent-Hopkins on April 25, 1969 in Benton, IL. She survives in Herrin. Bill worked as a heavy equipment operator for John Vander Trucking and F.E. Homes Construction. He was a Local 318 member for 43 years. Survivors include- Wife- Darla Gooden of Herrin, IL 2 daughters- Delores and Gary Cherry of Sparta, TN Susan and Mark Trexler of Herrin, IL 4 sons- William and Sandra Gooden of Hurst, IL Carl and Shonna Gooden of Herrin, IL James Gooden and friend April Brown of Herrin, IL George Steven Gooden at home in Herrin, IL 3 Step-sons- Dewayne Hopkins of Carmi, IL Dusty Hopkins of Kankakee, IL Scott Hopkins of Benton, IL 15 Grandchildren 7 Great Grandchildren 3 brothers- Bob Gooden of Nashville, IL Charles and Martha Gooden of Paxton, IL Floyd and Ruth Gooden of Carbondale, IL 1 sister- Pat and Bill Eisenhauer of Vergennes, IL sister-in-law- Barbara Gooden of Pinkneyville, IL Several nieces and nephews Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, 2 brothers- James and Tommy Gooden, 1 infant brother, and 3 great grandchildren- Kirsten Renee Gooden Watson, Austin Michael Cherry, and Yasmeen Rose Cherry. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, August 17, 2007 at Johnson- Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with the Rev. Terry Griffith officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-9pm on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. For those who prefer memorial donations, the George Steven Gooden Trust Fund has been established at the Bank of Herrins Carterville location. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.