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Jerry Dean Gooden, age 62 of Windsor, Kentucky, passed from this life on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.
He was born on May 7, 1962 in Warren County, Ohio, son of the late Howard and Wanda Ruth Gooden.
Jerry proudly served his country in United States Navy. He was a fire fighter for the Village of Elmwood, Colerain TWP Fire, Woodlawn FD, Mariemont Fire and retired as a battalion chief with Deerfield Township in Warren County. Jerry was also a dispatcher, supervisor at Hamilton County Communications for many years and the director of a comm center in Wisconsin. He loved fishing, farming, road trips, traveling and loved spending time with his family and friends. Jerry hugged everyone that he knew and would always let them know just how much he loved them. He was a big bear with a soft and kind heart. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He as preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charlie and Terry; sister Beverly; and a grandchild, Aiden.
He is survived by his wife and companion of 11 years, Laila Gooden; son, Cody Gooden of Ohio; daughters, Caitlin Gooden of Ohio, Keira Gooden of Somerset and Chelsea Tabares of Windsor; his fishing buddies, J.R. Stevens and Joe and his bourbon buddies, Brad, Lee, Garry, Verlin, Dan, Harold, Alan, Boyd, Jason, Tim, Jim and Ben; and a host of other friends and family including all of his Filipina friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Jerry Dean Gooden.
In Loving Memory of Jerry Gooden
It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the life of Jerry Gooden, a man whose presence left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. I had the privilege of working alongside Jerry during our time with Atwood Oceanics. He was more than a colleague—he was a character in every sense of the word, bringing skill, knowledge, charm, and charisma to the workplace in ways that few could ever replicate.
Jerry had a remarkable ability to make the hardest days on the job seem effortless, thanks to his talent and unwavering positivity. He was the kind of person who could draw people in, not just with his competence but with a rare sense of humor and warmth that turned coworkers into friends and acquaintances into admirers.
Although it has been some years since I last spoke with Jerry, the news of his passing has profoundly affected me. The world is a little dimmer without him, and I can only imagine the tremendous void felt by his loved ones, friends, and family.
To those who were fortunate enough to know Jerry more closely than I, my heart goes out to you. I pray for your strength as you navigate this loss. Jerry’s impact on those who knew him cannot be overstated—he will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, charm, and brilliance will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Jerry.