Mr. Walter M. Gooden, Sr, 86, of Beaumont, Texas passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 in Beaumont,  Texas.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Gooden will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church of Jesus Christ located at 2580 W. Lucas Dr., Beaumont, Texas 77706 with burial to at the Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.  A public viewing will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 p.m, wakes service from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mercy Funeral Home Chapel with the practicing of social distancing and Facial Masks required.  Visitation for Mr. Gooden will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Church, with the practicing of social distancing and Facial Masks required.

Mr. Walter Melvyn Gooden Sr. departed this life on July 16, 2021. He was born in Madisonville, TX, to the late Walter Gooden and Ottie Terrell Gooden on April 15, 1935. He attended the Public Schools of Madison County and graduated from Marian Anderson High School in Madisonville, TX.

Walter attended Prairie View A &M University where he earned a certificate in Printing and Journalism and was a member of the track and field team for a short while. After leaving Prairie View A & M he joined the United States Airforce in 1956 and proudly served his country until 1960. Mr. Gooden made his way to Beaumont, TX after the Airfoce, and applied his knowledge and skills to use at the Goodyear Chemical Plant. During his tenure at the plant her served in various capacities and trained many individuals until his retirement in 1995. Mr. Gooden left a lasting impression on many of his colleagues and co-workers.

Mr. Walter Gooden was an active member of Beaumont's Appomattox Club for over 20 years. He worshipped at St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church for many years before joining his current spiritual family.  In his later years Mr. Gooden joined Emmanuel Baptist Church of Jesus Christ where he served in the Senior Choir and Prayer Ministry. He was an influential member until his health prevented him from attending and serving.

Mr. Walter Gooden was an active supporter of those seeking to further their education and athletes on the collegiate level. He made annual donations to the Madisonville Colored /Marion Anderson Ex Student Scholarship Fund, United Negro College Fund Meharry Medical College. He enjoyed spending his free time playing scrabble and watching all sports including golf, tennis and the WNBA.

Mr. Walter Gooden Sr. was preceded in death by his loving parents, wife Deloris McQueen Gooden and twin sister Wilma Gooden White. Memories of Walter will be forever cherished by his sons, Keno Driver of Houston, Texas; Orlando Driver (Paula) of Bloomington, Indiana; Anthony Gooden (Tamerra) of  Frisco, Texas; and Walter Gooden, II (Shay) of Beaumont, Texas; sister, Joyce Gooden Watkins (Maurice) of Humble, Texas; two brothers, Lamar Edward (Carmelita) and Charles Douglas (Peggy) both of Houston, Texas; devoted cousin Zelma White of Beaumont, Texas; cousins Richard Byrd Sr. (Carolyn) of Madisonville, Texas and Alice Gordon Seals of Houston, Texas; thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.