May 24, 1943 - Sept. 17, 2012
Larry Robert Gooding, 69, passed away Sept. 17, 2012, at his home in Madras.
Born in Silverton, OR, to Phillip A. and Bethel W. (Williams) Gooding, he was the second oldest of six children. Larry was raised and attended school in Mount Angel, OR, and moved to Central Oregon in 1960.
He was honorably discharged from the Armed Forces on Nov. 14, 1970. Larry enjoyed ranching and farming, having raised cattle for many years. He worked for various ranchers, farmers, and contractors throughout his career in the Antelope, Ashwood, and Madras area.
After his retirement, Larry went back to work delivering mail daily from Madras to Ashwood.
He was a member of the Central Oregon Pigeon Racing Association and enjoyed many years of raising, training and racing his pigeons.
Clearing the range of juniper trees to see the native grasses come back was a passion of his. Larry enjoyed camping, hunting and just visiting with family and friends. His quiet, witty personality will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his daughter, Cora Murphy and husband, Jeff, of Ashwood, with daughter, Lillian; son, Duane Gooding and wife, Cassie of The Dalles, with children, Gavin, Aubree and Logan; stepson, Raymond Williams and wife, Jenny of Redmond, with son, Rancy; mother, Bethel Gooding of Madras; brother, Ron Gooding of Madras; sisters, Jeri Halter and husband, Jim of Mount Angel, Lynn Hair and husband, Bob, and Jean McCloskey and husband, John, all of Madras, Ann Howe and husband, Richard of Salem; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At his request, no services will be held. There will be a potluck picnic in his honor at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 23, at the Ashwood Grange site.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home of Madras.
Larry Robert Gooding
