Inurnment services will be held at a later date for Gerold L. ‘Jerry’ Goforth, 85, who passed away August 5, 2020, at his home.
He was born December 24, 1934, in Winfield, Kan., the son of Leo E. and Gladys Barker Goforth. He graduated from Arkansas City High School, and later attended Arkansas City Junior College. He served 20 years in the 226th Engineering Battalion of the Kansas National Guard, attaining the rank of Captain. Jerry retired as a District Operations Manager from Southwestern Bell in 1990 after 38 years of service, notably being recognized for perfect attendance his entire career. Jerry served on the board and as chairman of the board of both Nekan Bell Credit Union and Delta Dental of Kansas. In retirement, he was active in the Kansas Golf Association serving as president in 2003 and became a golf rules official volunteering at amateur tournaments across the state. The KGA presented him the Virgil Parker Award in 2010 in recognition of his ‘unselfish contributions to the game of golf and people who play and enjoy the game.’ He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Military Officers Association, and the Hereditary Neurological Support Group.
Jerry married Barbara L. Reinking on December 26, 1953, in Arkansas City. She survives of the home. Other survivors include three sons, Greg Goforth and wife Mary, Wells, Maine, Todd Goforth and wife Yvette, Peoria, Illinois, and Clay Goforth and wife Debbie, Topeka; a sister, Carol Hadorn, Wellington, Kan; a sister-in-law Naomi Goforth, Salem, Ore.; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a stepfather, Charles Brooks, a brother, Charles Goforth, and two sisters, Joan Pyer and Darlene McGee.
Memorial contributions in honor of Jerry are suggested to Hereditary Neurological Disease Center or Immanuel Lutheran Church, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Dear Barb, We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We have such great memories of our times together, enjoying all the Villa in Corpus Christi had to offer. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers, as you continue on this difficult journey without him. Love and hugs, Bob and Sue
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Lonnie and Diana Hodges and Jamie Book
So sorry to read about the loss of your Father, Clay. He sounds like a wonderful man…both at work and at play.
Dear Barbara,
So saddened by the loss of Jerry. He and you has been so heroic in recent years trying to manage his illness. I have missed our “chats” while out in our yards. Please accept our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies during this time.
Sorry to hear about your loss Clay and Family.
Barb and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I remember Jerry was always very knowable and considerate when he lobbied for AT&T. May God comfort all of you during this difficult time.
Barb,
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of sadness. Jerry was a wonderful man who enjoyed life and everyone around him. He will truly be missed.
To Jerry’s family and Barb: thank you for sharing Jerry with the Kansas Golf Association and the hundreds of golfers that benefited from his decades of volunteer service as a rules official, course rater and association leader. He was a great friend to me and I always enjoyed his great sense of humor and his passion for a game that gives both thrills and frustration. No one surpassed Jerry’s quantity and quality of service to Kansas golf. He was the referee for the championship match of the 2007 Kansas Amateur at Topeka CC won by Gary Woodland, now a US Open champ. We all have many fond memories of Jerry.
Barb, I am so sorry to hear of Jerry passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My best advice from experience is to just breath, take one moment at a time and accept all offers of help.
Barb, an exceptional person he was.
He filled our lives with happiness
that we will carry in our hearts forever…
Jerry will be sincerely missed by all.
God bless you and comfort you.
Barb – so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Dan and I have such fond memories of our Alvamar days with the two of you. Praying for you and your family at this difficult time.
Barb, Thinking of you. Prayers
Barb… Diane and I lift you up in prayer for God’s strength in your loss of Jerry. He is now in the full presence of our Lord Jesus. May you find comfort and joy in anticipation of joining him in heaven. God be with you.
Barb- We are so sorry to hear about Jerry. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Barb & Bob Riley
Barb, Jan and I were very sorry, of course, to learn about your (and OUR) loss. Jerry was a great guy and friend at Immanuel. I always looked forward to your return every spring!
Barb, I am sorry to read of your husband’s passing. You are in my thoughts. Take care.
So sorry to hear about Jerry, you and your family are in our prayers.
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I’ll remember him as an active, positive person and a dapper dresser.
Tab and I are so deeply sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Both of us so enjoyed our times with him. Please know we are thinking of you Barb.
Jim and I are so sorry for your loss and holding you and your loved ones close in our loving thoughts and prayers!!!❤️??
Sorry to hear about your loss Mike and I will miss him
We are very sorry to hear about your loss.