Our Dad, Howard, was a tenacious and giving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who had a great appreciation for all things outdoors, and a great sense of humor, often being described as goofy; but more than anything, he was a man who deeply loved his family and could always be counted on no matter the day or time to be there for anyone who ever needed anything. 

Howard Wayne Goodson was the second son of Vernie and Zelma (Earlabaugh) Goodson, born on December 9, 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Howard grew up in Tulsa and graduated from Central High School in 1964. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1965 to 1971. After his military service, Howard pursued a career in mechanical drafting. Through his analytical and interpretive design skills, he brought engineering projects to life. His technical expertise was showcased by his designs being incorporated into architecture used at Christ’s Chapel at Oral Roberts University. After relocating to Colorado in 1979, he excelled in his fabrications as a Draftsman at Coors Ceramics and Martin Marietta. Later, he applied his knowledge and engineering ingenuity through the auto mechanics industry. 

Howard found great joy in the details of all that he did. He was an avid outdoorsman and truly loved immersing himself in nature and exploring the mountains; hiking, camping, fly fishing, backpacking, rock climbing, and venturing out into the wilderness were some of his favorite activities. He developed a passion for photography, capturing breathtaking and captivating images. He was an award-winning photographer, and one of his proudest moments was having his photographs taken at the Colorado Springs Ballon Glow being featured on postcards nationwide.  He will be remembered for being a kind and loving person who never gave up. A gregarious and friendly demeanor, always willing to talk to anyone and to lend a helping hand.  

Howard passed away peacefully at home in in Manitou Springs, Colorado on September 12, 2023. Howard is survived by his daughters, Carrie (Paul) Billingsly and Jenny (Mike) Lewark. He was also a proud grandfather to Brianna Ragsdale, Dylan (Kaitlyn) Flynn, Ethan Flynn, Leiah and Joshua Billingsly, Ryan and Lauren Lewark. As well as a great-grandfather to Rylianne, Kadri, and Addilyn Ragsdale. Additionally, he is survived by his nephew, Scott (Karen) Goodson, and his great-niece, Tamara Hueston, and great-nephews, Brandon Goodson and Brody Goodson. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Vernie and Zelma Goodson, his brother and sister-in-law, Harold and June Goodson, and his nephews, Mark and Bradley Goodson.

Please join his family as we host a Celebration of Life for Howard on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at The Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center. It will be an opportunity for everyone to share fond, funny, and special memories of Howard, and impart how his joy, insight and friendship impacted their lives.

Please join us as we honor the life of our father, Howard Wayne Goodson; a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the lives of so many throughout his life.