Ed Gooding, 68

Edward O. Gooding, 68, of Marcellus/Mattawan, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ed was the son of William R. and Ruth E. Gooding. He was a life-long resident of the Marcellus area and graduated from Marcellus High School in 1966. After working at Checker Motors Corporation, Ed joined the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety in 1969. He was a well respected public safety officer and proudly served for 26 years until his retirement in 1995. He also worked at his family’s business, Beech Grove Campground and Trailer Sales, in Marcellus. Ed enjoyed buying and selling cars, watching NASCAR races, fishing at Rice Lake, Canada, and listening to country music. One of his favorite songs was “I Did It My Way.” Many enjoyed Ed’s unique sense of humor.

Ed is survived by his wife, Sandra Gooding; son, Ross Gooding of Las Vegas, NV; daughter, Gretchen (Richard Iovito) Gooding of Washington, DC; grandson, Henry Iovito; two sisters, Theresa (Bill DeYoung) Gooding of Marcellus, MI and Jean Gooding of Plant City, FL; two brothers, Carroll (Kim) Gooding of Marcellus, and Allen (Dee Dee Hamilton) Gooding of Mission, TX; mother-in-law, Evelyn Freeborn of Paw Paw; sister-in-law, Deb Whiteman of Kalamazoo; as well as many nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ruth Gooding; brother, David; and father-in-law, Carl Freeborn.

Ed has been cremated and a casual gathering of family and friends will take place Sunday, September 3rd at VFW Post 4054, 53550 M-40, Marcellus, MI between 3:00-5:00 PM. Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice. Arrangements were handled by the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home, Marcellus.