Dennis “Corkey” Goodden
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Dennis “Corkey” Goodden passed away Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Bridgehaven Memory Care Home after struggling with a long illiness, Lewy Body Dementia a Parkinsons Disease.
Dennis Franklin Goodden was born March 6, 1943 in Kansas City, MO the son of Della and Frank Goodden. He was raised by his parents and grandparents.
He grew up in North Kansas City with his younger brother, Rickie. He attended UMKC majoring in English and History. He then went on to UMKC law school.
He felt strongly and worked hard to end the Vietnam War, protect individual constitutional rights; support the Civic Rights movement and to eradicate hunger.
In October 1985 he married Dr. Myra Strother and became Chief Public Defender of Boone County Missouri while she finished her family medicine residency.
They moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1990 where he practiced law and they raised their children. He was a member of the Missouri, D.C. and Kansas Bar Associations.
He was an honest and loving husband and father. He shared his talents at Art, jewelry design, gardening, history and law with countless family and friends through his 71 years.
His humor, kindness and gentle ideals inspired many and he will be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Myra Strother, his daughter, Virginia Goodden Strother; his son, Kendall Strother Goodden and his brother, Rickie Goodden.
There will be a brief memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The family suggests memorials in his name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or Habitat for Humanity and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Dear Myra, Virginia, and Kendall, We were saddened to learn that Corkey had recently died. Our family and your family had so many good times when the kids were young. We can recall Kevin and Kendall playing at both of our homes, excellent meals at your houses, and chats with Corkey about everything from family to nature to politics. You may recall that Corkey also helped us out legally one time and refused payment except for a good bottle of wine. Corkey was a kind and fun person to spend time with, and we know this has to be a very difficult time for all of you. We wish you the very best, Helen, Dave, Kevin, and Diane Alexander
Dear Goodden family – I was very sad to see the obituary for Dennis in the paper. His dad and my mom were brother and sister. Unfortunately, for various reasons, the families were not able to spend time together. I did talk with Dennis a couple of times over the years at the federal courthouse where I worked. Dennis was there representing a client. Condolences from the Terry family and may your memories of Dennis help you through this difficult time.
Peace be with you.
Gooden Family,
I was fortunate to have gotten to know Dennis. I really enjoyed his humor. Thx u for allowing me to be a part of his life. He truly will be missed. My deepest sympathies.
Much love,
Kim Stanford and Brenda Coon
Greg and I enjoyed our interactions with Corkey. Greg liked to talk about garden ponds, koi, purple martins and anything else concerning the Thrasher backyard. We are glad we were able to share our “habitat” with Corkey and Myra. I admired his art work. Our thoughts and prayers are with Myra, Ginny and Kendall.