ROBERT A GOODBARY
1942 - 2016
November 11, 1942 - September 26, 2016, On the evening of
September 26, 2016, Robert Allan Goodbary passed away after a
41/2 year battle with cancer;
while being surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Robert Allan was 73 years old. Born in 1942 in Iola Kansas to
Allan and Dorris Goodbary, Robert Allan was able to see much
of the world with his family before graduating high school in
Bangkok, Thailand.
He later graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1965 with
a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Auditing
and was commissioned through the Army ROTC Program as a
Second Lieutenant in Infantry.
Robert Allan met his wife Shirley at Oklahoma State where they
started their adventure together.
They traveled throughout the world where they raised two sons
and moved some 38 times during their 31 year military career.
In their 54 year marriage, they have been blessed to serve the
country and meet so many wonderful friends.
Prior to and during his military career, Major General
Goodbary attained a Masters degree in Management from Central
Michigan University.
His military education included the Infantry School's Basic
and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College,
and the National War College.
Major General Goodbary traveled the world and his assignments
included:
Company D, 5th Battalion, 1st Basic Combat Training Brigade,
Ft Jackson, South Carolina,
Troop C, 3d Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, 164th Combat Aviation
Group in Vietnam;
19th Aviation Battalion (Combat), Eighth US Army, Korea;
Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft Hood, Texas;
Assistant Division Commander- Support and Community Commander,
3d Infantry Division, Germany;
Commanding General, Task Force Victory (Forward), Kuwait.
His decorations and awards include:
Defensive Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster,
Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters,
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster,
Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster,
Air Medals,
Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster,
Combat Infantryman Badge,
Parachutist Badge,
Senior Army Aviator Badge,
Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge and
army General Staff Identification Badge.
After 31 years of active commissioned service in the United
States Army, MG Goodbary joined Oklahoma State University.
General Goodbary held multiple positions prior to becoming the
OSU System Chief of Staff where he served as the
CEO/Presidents liaison with the Executive Team,
working closely with OSU System Presidents, Provost, Vice
Presidents, and other OSU administration.
Through appointment by former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating,
he also served on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma City
National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism.
As well as being a devoted husband and father, General
Goodbary was an avid photographer.
His photographs have left a permanent image in all of our
lives.
He loved to play golf, watch his children and grandchildren
play sports, and oh how he loved great food and adventures
with friends.
His loyalty as a husband, an OSU Cowboy, and friend has served
as an example for all to emulate.
General Goodbary was preceded in death by his parents, Alan
and Dorris, and his sister, Rhonda Simpson.
He is survived by his devoted wife Shirley, his sons David and
Michael, his daughters-in-law Lori and Tanya, his
grandchildren Kelsey and spouse Scott,
Mollie, Mitchell, Luke, Griffen, and Cooper, his sisters
Joan, Marilyn, Amelia, and Alice, and a host of friends he has
touched so deeply.
A celebration of life will be held at the Matthews Funeral
Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, Oklahoma, at 2:00 p.m. Thursday,
September 29th, 2016, with Rev Leah R. Hrachovec officiating.
Viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Fort
Sill National Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations to Oklahoma State Foundation are
appreciated.
OSUgiving.com (in memory of MG Robert A Goodbary) or make
checks payable to OSU Foundation, in memory of MG Robert A
Goodbary, PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749.
Published in The Oklahoman on Sept. 29, 2016
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