Benjamin Floyd Goodin

Benjamin Floyd Goodin, 71, of Jefferson City, died Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at the Medical Center of Plano, Plano, Texas. He was born December 3, 1941, in Jefferson City, a son of the late Benjamin O. and Maxine Higgins Goodin. He was married February 28, 1986, in Jefferson City, to Dorothy Berhorst, who survives at home. Ben was a 1959 graduate of Jefferson City High School. He received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Truman State University and went on to receive his Master's Degree in Education from Central Missouri State University. He served in the United States Navy from 1962-1966 and later served in the Missouri Army National Guard, retiring in 1998 as a Captain. Ben joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1966. He was stationed and lived in Boonville. In 1978, he joined the Staff of the Highway Patrol Academy where he enjoyed teaching new recruits. He retired from the Highway Patrol in 1994. He became the manager of enforcement for MoDot Motor Carrier Services retiring in 2009. He represented Missouri on the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and received their Presidents' award in 2008. He retired in 2009. Ben was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church where he served on the Dream Team, Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, 40&8 voitar 1292, American Legion Post 5 where he served as Commander from 1994-1995. He was chairman of the American Legion Cadet Patrol Academy for many years on the Post, District and Department level. He received the American Legion Officer of the Year Award for 1981. He was a member of the Cole County Relay for Life committee. Ben was an avid photographer, being a photo journalist for the Missouri National Guard and the self-appointed photographer for special family occasions. He enjoyed making his friend's events memorable through his gift of personalized photos. Ben was a true outdoorsman. He loved hunting with his son, Scott. He had a passion for fishing, preparing meals for his friends and family especially during the holidays. He loved spending time with his family and his cherished grandchildren. He treasured his companionship with his trusted pals, his chocolate Lab, Macks, and his Bassett, Maggie. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children: Scott Goodin, (Michelle Swierski) of Parkville, Missouri; Suzanne Goodin Platt, (husband Sean) of Overland Park, Kansas; Stefanie Tellman (husband John) of Columbia, Missouri; Melanie Moore (husband Keith) of Lake Dallas, Texas; one step-son, Gregory Beelek (wife Natalie) of New Braunfels, Texas; 10 grandchildren: Grace, Charlie, Will and Caroline Platt; Rene and Emma Tellman; Abigail and Lillian Moore; Stephanie and Owen McNamara; two sisters: Patricia Nelson (husband Brad) of Lake Las Vegas, Nevada and Naomi Jessup (husband Ken) of O'Fallon, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home where a prayer service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church with Rev. Tom McGrath officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Operation Comfort Warrior Project or the American Legion Cadet Patrol Post 5. Arrangements are under the direction of Houser-Millard Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com