Ret. MSGT Steven Alan Goodale was born on August 13, 1948 in Austin, Texas to Emmitt and June Goodale. He spent his formative years in Houston, Texas where he attended Madison High School. There he played football and was voted Mr. School Spirit. He joined the Air Force on October 16, 1968. While serving his country for 20 years and 1 month, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal with a silver oak leaf cluster. Steve served many years abroad, both in Turkey (during the Vietnam War) and in England.

While stationed at Dyess Air Force Base near Abilene, Texas, he met his wife of 38 years, Sharon Christenson. They were married after a short courtship on December 27, 1980. When asked by his daughter why he waited so long to get married, Steve was fond of saying, "Because I hadn't met your mother yet!" They absolutely had that "once in a lifetime" love. Together they had four children: Stephenei, Sean, Steven, and Scott. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren, plus one on the way.

Steve will be remembered by all for his ability to make people feel special. He was known to order the occasional "as seen on TV" gadget (or hundreds!), and he loved to play the lotto. Steve was always the first person to call and sing "Happy Birthday" or pick up something special for his grandkids, no matter the occasion. He loved his coffee and always had a stash of candy somewhere close by. Steve prided himself in how well he kept his yard and followed the law to the letter. In fact, he was only involved in one auto accident his entire life, but wasn't even at the scene when it happened (you'll have to ask Steven Anthony about that one when you get to the Pearly Gates)! He was the "go-to" guy for his friends or family when they needed a hand.

Steve was preceded in death by his father and mother, Emmitt and June Goodale, as well as his son, Steven Anthony Goodale. He is survived by his children Stephenei Goodale (husband Clint) of Victoria, Texas; Sean Goodale (wife Claire) of San Antonio, Texas; Scott Goodale (wife Nicole) of Placedo, Texas; his grandchildren Stormie, Lincoln, Gabrielle, Sicily, Dominic, Caleb, Henderson, Addison, Charlotte, and a special surprise grandchild who is yet to be named; brother Rodney Goodale and sister Charlotte Goodale (husband Bob), both of Comfort, Texas, and brother Charles Goodale (wife Vicky) of Granbury, Texas. He also leaves behind an uncle, Ducky Musselwhite, three special nieces that gave him the desire to become a father, Dawn, Deveri, Detri, several other nieces and nephews , cousins, and numerous friends that he considered family.

All in all, Steve's legacy is one of a life well lived by a man well loved. We will all miss him deeply until we meet his beautiful soul again.

Viewing will take place on Saturday, February 16 at 10:00 AM at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM the same day at Matagorda Episcopal Church, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Matagorda Cemetery.