RIP Sgt. Gary Goodner RCSO

Gary Goodner was a Sergeant with the Randall County Sheriff’s Office. He fit in with his Blue Blooded family from day one. Everything he did was more than 100% because he gave his whole heart into every thing he did in his life. Everyone spoke of his laughter, sense of humor, his work ethic, and about his love for his wife and their combined family. Gary was a straight up, all-around good guy. He had the biggest smile and laugh.

I have known his wife, Easter Goodner, for more than a dozen years. You won’t find a better or more sincere woman. She is a loving, supportive, and funny woman; just a salt of the earth great woman.

They met in High School at Amarillo High years ago and reconnected years later. Gary and Easter were the fairytale couple most can only dream of. They were each other’s complement completing one another. You didn’t have to know them to see how much they were in love. Their smile and the twinkle in their eyes said it all.

Another special thing about Gary and Easter is how effortless combining both families was. They both loves big! Gary’s girls were his pride and joy as Easter’s boys are to her. They both treated their children and their children’s spouses as their own. All of the grandchildren were loved and combined as part of their large family accepting each other’s as their very own blood. Ms. Goodner stated again today that, “He is just irreplaceable!”

Several people spoke today for Gary’s funeral and everyone had essentially the same things to say about Gary, his love, his sense of humor, his love of family, and always giving more than 100% into everything he did. That is who Gary was and looking around the filled church today, a significant void sits where Gary was in their lives.

Easter, the whole family, friends, and his Blue RCSO family are touched by the outpouring of love, prayers, support, and generosity from family, friends, his blue family and our community for everyone’s generosity and gifts of cards, flowers and other things.

I, too, appreciate your kindness and generosity for Easter and their family. It warms my heart to see the love and support extended to them by the many people whose lives he touched. A special thank you for those who have contributed to the GoFundMe account I created for Easter to assist with months of medical bills, final expenses, and time to allow Ms. Goodner some time to grieve and heal.

If you are able to assist with any contribution to the GoFundMe account, please do so at the link below.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/rip-sgt-gary-goodner

Gary underwent surgery in March; unfortunately, he experienced a series of various complications continuously from his initial procedure. Gary had the constant love and support of his wife, Easter Goodner, family, and many dear friends.

Two weeks after surgery, Randall County Sheriff’s Office hosted a fundraising luncheon to assist Gary and Easter with unexpected medical bills and expenses rapidly accumulating. The Goodner’s were so graciously humbled and touched by everyone’s support, a true testimony of the great man Gary was; and Easter was his perfect complement!

Easter has been a dear friend for many years. She was there for me before, during, and after my own substantial loss years ago. Thus, I understand how quickly medical and end of life expenses add up; dealing with arrangements while grieving is overwhelming enough.

Together, we can make a difference for the Goodner’s and help to address expenses and ease the burden through their grieving journey.