Joseph M. Gooden,'s Obituary
Beloved husband, father, and friend passed away during a prolonged fight with cancer. He was born in Shreveport, LA, and settled in Tacoma, WA after a distinguished 30 years in the US Army. He retired with the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Military highlights include: 2 tours in Vietnam and Korea, Purple Heart recipient with 3 olc and also a Bronze Star.He is survived by his wife Erika of 29 years, 19 year old daughter Melanie, his 17 year old son Joseph III, and his sisters Mable, Dorothy, and Mary.Joseph worked at the VA hospital in Lakewood for 17 years, and in that time touched the lives of many people young and old.Special thank to the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue and Franciscan Hospice for their care and devotion.Private family services will be held.
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