[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 108 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN LASTING MEMORY OF JUDGE JOHN W. GOODSON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Judge John 
W. Goodson, a true treasure to the community of Texarkana, Arkansas, 
and to the entire state of Arkansas. Judge Goodson passed away August 
18, 2006, in Texarkana, Arkansas, at the age of 80.
  John W. Goodson began practicing law in 1951 and was known as a 
``gentle giant'' in the courtroom because of his imposing height, 
booming voice and tender heart. Throughout his distinguished career as 
a lawyer and Circuit Judge, John Goodson was a mentor and a friend to 
many. Some of those he mentored moved on to become international 
lawyers, elected prosecutors, Circuit Judges, Arkansas Supreme Court 
Judges and a federal Judge.
  Judge Goodson served as the presiding Circuit Judge in courts in 
Miller, Lafayette, Hempstead and Nevada counties in Southwest Arkansas.
  Judge Goodson was a World War II Air Force Veteran, a member of the 
Arkansas Masonic Lodge, and a board member and former Sunday school 
teacher at the First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas.
  Nothing meant more in the life of John W. Goodson than the love he 
had for his family. This love was evident in all he did, from his 
active involvement in his church to his role as a community leader.
  My condolences go out to his wife, Doris; his daughters Jan Murphy 
and Mary Jane Briggs; his son John Goodson; and his three 
granddaughters, Jane Anne Murphy, Wesley Hana Goodson and Mary Claire 
Briggs. Judge Goodson will be sorely missed in Texarkana and throughout 
the state of Arkansas.

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