Bennie Mack Gooden, a longtime resident of Dewar, died March 20, 2021 in Muskogee at the age of 88. He was born Dec. 17, 1932 in Holdenville to Willie Mack Gooden and Ethel (Watts) Gooden.
Bennie served with the United States Marines during the Korean Conflict where he was wounded while saving his whole platoon. Bennie received the Purple Heart Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Services Medal.
He worked at the Army ammunition depot in McAlester for many years as a supervisor. He was a member of the Many Springs Baptist Church in Holdenville.
He is preceded in death by his parents Willie and Ethel Gooden, also by a brother, also by his in-laws, Virgil and Irene Quinton.
He is survived by his wife Ruby of the home in Dewar; daughter, Trix McCloskey of Dewar; son, Dennis Gooden of Henryetta; 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; also by a host of friends and other relatives.
Pallbearers will be, Aaron Lowe, Dennis Gooden, Dennis Gooden, Gary McGowin, Jim Titsworth and Brandon McConnell.
Viewing for Bennie will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Integrity Funeral Service.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Dewar First Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Wells officiating. Interment will follow in Westlawn Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.