Samuel David Gooden

Samuel David Gooden, 68, passed away at home on November 19, 2010. Sam was born on March 4, 1942 in Burlington, Iowa. He was the youngest of eight children. After serving in the National Guard, Sam became a realtor. He served the Des Moines area for twenty-five years before retiring in 1997. In 1982, he married Rita Gooden. Together they shared twenty-eight wonderful years.

Sam was a kind and loving individual who cared deeply about people and animals. He was very compassionate and always sought to make those around him laugh and feel comfortable. Sam loved listening to music, telling a great joke and traveling with Rita.

The essence of Sam’s character is best illustrated by these kind words from a colleague who was a speaker at a conference Sam attended.

“Sam will ALWAYS hold a very special place in my heart. When I started my talk, there was a joyful man sitting right in the front row. He kept looking at me the entire time with a HUGE smile of encouragement written all over his face. He got me through my speech. I had no idea who he was until after my talk. It was Sam. What a wonderful person to be joined in the glory of heaven!”

Sam will be greatly missed by his wife of 28 years, Rita; sons, Brian (Amy) Gooden, Steve (Annette) Jensen; step-children, Debra (Terry) Semmens, Ronald (Tammi) Miller, Deanna (Matt) Gliem, and Donna Miller; fourteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Vonnie Mellow, and many friends. He was preceded by his parents, four brothers and two sisters.

Sam was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend and we will miss him dearly.

Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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