Paul John Gooding

Obituary Paul John Gooding, husband of Ann Smith Gooding, passed away Friday night, May 17, 2013 at his home. He was surrounded by his dearly loved family and friends. He was born in St. Charles, Missouri on February 7, 1941 to John Carlos and Ruth Martin Gooding. He was a decorated soldier, receiving five Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam. He was honored to have served his country and retired from the military in 1978. Paul was a terrific Dad and Step-Dad to four children- Steven (Pam) Gooding, Kim (Kent) Ellis, Lisa Smith and George Smith. He had one brother, Fred (Faye) Gooding, one sister that he always called "Little Sister," Helen (Scott) Hawkins, and his brother-in-law and good friend, Michael Johnson, all of Frankfort, Kentucky. Paul was so proud of his grandchildren- Sean (Jennifer) Gooding and Daniel (Danielle) Gooding of Colorado, David (Anna) Gooding of California, Christopher Gooding of South Dakota, Nichole (Jake) Jones of Versailles, Kentucky, Barbara and Diane Gooding, Jessica Smith, and the youngest, Kristen Ellis, his fishing buddy he called Pookie, all of Frankfort, Kentucky. He had three great-grandchildren-Evie and Michael Gooding of Colorado and Emma Gooding of California. He had one nephew, Blane Hawkins, and one niece, Julie Hanus. He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest son, Michael Frederick Gooding. Paul touched the lives of many people, always ready with a smile and a story. He had a long, happy friendship with his school friends affectionately known as "The Gang." He spent many an hour with his wonderful neighbors, Maria and Russ Dalby and Greg and Charla Peter, talking and laughing about everything from landscaping techniques to world news. He also had his faithful four-legged friends, Molly the golden retriever and Katy the Cairn terrier, who brought him much joy and pleasure. Paul had two favorite hobbies-fishing and growing orchids. He grew up fishing in Elkhorn Creek and enjoyed telling stories of his fishing adventures. He fished all of his life and enjoyed every minute. When he wasn't fishing, he was working in his green house of his award-winning orchids. He was a member of the Bluegrass Orchid Society and everyone admired his ability to grow the most beautiful and unusual orchids. We, his family and friends, were blessed to have Paul in our lives and will miss him very, very much. He will be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held at the old Boy Scout camp in Peaks Mill at the Troutwine Farm. His favorite pastor, Jerry Parritt, will speak. A notice with the details will be put in the paper at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity and take an afternoon off to go fishing, in honor of Paul.