Lloyd Goodson

Lloyd Goodson, a dedicated family man and avid volunteer, died peacefully in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 29, 2023. Born on May 12, 1941, in Fairbury, Nebraska, Lloyd was the eldest of two children to Erwin and Ida (Werner) Goodson. His childhood years were spent on the family farm in Jefferson County, attending a one-room school in Buckley before graduating from Reynolds High School in 1959.

In March 1961, Lloyd's commitment to service was ignited by the newly established Peace Corps. Despite only being a college sophomore, he was chosen to serve for his skills in farm machinery and welding. He went to Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). This experience marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to helping others.

With the passing of Lloyd’s father in July 1963, he returned home from the Peace Corps. At this time, he met Sue, a friend of his younger sister, Joann (Goodson) Steinberg. They began a correspondence when Lloyd joined the Air Force. The couple married on October 8, 1966. Lloyd was stationed in San Antonio, so many of the early years of their marriage in Texas. Their first daughter, Samantha, was born there in 1968. After Lloyd left the Air Force in 1970, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where their second daughter, Amy, was born in November of that year.

Lloyd returned to his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) when he got out of the service, but with a new focus. Instead of his original plan to become a math teacher, he  used his training to go into computer programming. Upon graduating, he embarked on a 44-year career as a programmer and analyst in UNL's Computer Services Network. Working full-time didn’t change his commitment to service. He was deeply involved in school activities and the PTA, eventually serving as the Nebraska PTA Treasurer. Lloyd also dedicated a decade to organizing the Pick Up and Pay office for the annual Nebraska Public Television Auction, a role that brought him immense satisfaction.

Family vacations often revolved around service, with the Goodsons attending National PTA conventions as Lloyd and Sue held state leadership positions. Lloyd’s love of history frequently led to stops at Civil War battlefields and parks, adventures he shared with his children and grandchildren.

A farmer at heart, Lloyd maintained a vibrant garden, growing vegetables and flowers and nurturing numerous houseplants. He enjoyed visiting farmers' markets and attending the thresher show. His passion for genealogy led him to conduct extensive family history research and volunteer to photograph headstones for an organization that helps you find headstones in distant locations.

In retirement, Lloyd continued his service to the community, volunteering at local election sites and dedicating more time to his garden and genealogical pursuits. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family,  community, and the countless lives he touched through his volunteer work.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Ida (Werner) Goodson, and his wife of over 50 years, Sue Goodson. He is survived by his daughters Samantha of Norfolk, NE, Amy and husband Steve, grandchildren Cor and Ethan of Arlington, VA, and sister Joann (Richard) of Normal, IL. There are 18 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his “proxy” children,” Anne Wright of Pittsburgh, PA, Rhys McNally of Lincoln, NE, and Chanity Hervey of Lincoln, NE. His legacy of service and love for his family will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Plymouth Congregational Church at 2000 D Street in Lincoln, NE at 10:00 a.m. on June 22, 2024. The date was chosen to allow family members who are teachers and students to be able to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Nebraska Public Television or the National Park Foundation. Your generosity will help support causes that were important to him.