Alfred Goodson
Alfred Goodson, 96, passed away in Texas City on Thursday, December 14, 2023. He was born November 18, 1927 to Walter Judd and Eva Goodson in Lufkin, Texas.
Alfred moved to Big Spring, Texas in 1930 and graduated in 1944 at Big Spring High School and worked for Cosden Refinery. Alfred served in the United States Navy during WWII, after returning from the Navy, Alfred went back to work for Cosden Refinery. He was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Texas City and a resident of Texas City for over 60 years. He was a member of the I.U.O.E. for 74 years, and an endowed member of Masonic Lodge of Big Spring Texas 598 and Masonic Lodge of Texas City 1118 for 70 plus years, and Scottish Rites, Galveston for 50 years. He was a Union Rep for 30 years with locals #826, # 347, IUOE #564. Alfred was elected as Vice President of Texas AFL, 1953, elected to Big Spring City Commission, 1954. While on City Commission was able to raise labors rate from .85 to $1.00 per hour, he served in all major offices of Local 826, become first full time Business Manager and helped organize several plants in West Texas. He moved to Texas City in 1960 as a Business Representative for Local 347 I.U.O.E. and organized and serviced several plants for Local 347. Alfred was elected Secretary of Galveston County AFL-CIO in 1965; elected President in 1966 and served until 1979; he was active in Union, Political and Community Affairs in Galveston County. He was elected Secretary-Treasurer of Southwest Conference in 1962 – 1987, elected President of Southwest Conference 1987-1989 and retired in January 1990. He served several terms as International and District Vice President AFL-CIO, Texas. Alfred was appointed to Board of Managers of Galveston County Hospital, 1978-1990 and served three years as Chairman of the Board. He was elected Business Manager of Local 347 I.U.O.E. and Business Manager of Texas City, Texas Metal Trades Council in 1988 and retired in January 1990.
Alfred is preceded in death by his parents; wife of over 59 years, Ovella Shirley Goodson; sister Mary Anne Coffee; and brothers: Richard Goodson and Linwood Goodson. He is survived by his two sons: Michael Goodson and wife Suzanne and Danny Goodson and wife Katherine; six grandchildren: Shanna Kiphart, Christopher Goodson, Courtni Tello, Richard Goodson, Elizabeth Warren and Daniel Goodson; and his nine great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be at 11:00am on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Crowder Funeral Home in La Marque with Pastor Darnell Fennell and Jakie Shirley officiating.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to any Veterans’ organization or local food bank of your choice.
My grandfather will be missed by many. He was a great man and did a lot for his community. I’m crushed by his passing and will always remember the good times we had together.
Mr. Goodson was my Son in law’s Grandfather. When I first met Mr.Goodson years ago, I instantly liked him. He was kind, sweet and sharp. Like many men of his generation when he was in a room, he held everyone’s attention, simply because you were interested in what this person had to say. I am saddened by his passing. My deepest sympathy to anyone who loved Mr.Goodson. He will be remembered and missed.