Jesse Goodman

Jesse Goodman, age 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 11, 2020. A limited visitation will be held Thursday, April 16, 2020 from 3:00-5:00pm at Webb & Rodrick Chapel. A private Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday. Burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence, Kansas.

Jesse was born December 10, 1931 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Henry “Arkie” Goodman and Ada Daniels. He resided in La Vaca, AR until he moved to Independence, KS in 1940. He joined the US Army in 1950 and served in the Korean War. He proudly served in the Battle of Porkchop Hill where he was wounded. He spent the remainder of his service in hospital until he was discharged in 1954. At that time, he returned to Independence. Jesse was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion.

When he returned, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Mavers and together they raised 3 sons. He was self-employed, owning and operating Goodman Electric until his retirement in 1995. After Barbara’s passing, he moved to Grove, OK in 1997 where he made his home in his cabin. He loved and spent his time on his boat fishing.

Jesse was very family-oriented and enjoyed spending time with family, having coffee each morning with his friends, hunting, and fishing. He was known as "Jess the Mess".

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother Jim Goodman, and his sisters Abby Jones and Myrtle Dunlap. He is survived by his sons: Kevin Goodman of Silsam Springs, AR; Kurtis Goodman of Independence, KS; and Tom (Debbie) Mavers also of Independence, KS, his grandchildren: Gina Mavers-Godinez; Chad (Christy) Mavers; Josh (Beth) Goodman; Sarah (James) Ammerman; Aly Goodman; Kelsey Goodman; Cassie Goodman; and Jessie Goodman as well as 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins he loved dearly.