James "Larry" Goodson

James “Larry” Goodson, age 81, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, December 18, 2025, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. He was born July 27, 1944, in Logan, West Virginia, to the late Emmet Loyd and Vera Goodson. Larry attended Logan High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army.

Larry married the love of his life, Retha Bachtel, and together they shared 62 years of marriage. During his military career, Larry honorably served two tours in Korea. He and his family lived throughout the United States and abroad, including Panama, Georgia, California, Kentucky, and eventually Ohio. Following his military service, Larry continued his dedication to fellow veterans as an officer with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, where he worked tirelessly to help veterans receive the benefits they deserved.

He loved playing dominoes with friends and family, fishing, and watching sports on television, especially cheering on his beloved Cleveland Guardians. He enjoyed spoiling his dog, Sissy, and eating some of his wife’s home cooking. He was a longtime member of Caesarea Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brothers Ed Goodson and Kenneth Goodson; his sisters Joyce McDonald, Lou Samsel, and Gay Goodson; and his dog and best friend, Buddy.

He is survived by his loving wife Retha Goodson; his sister Brenda (Bill) Baker; his children Tammy (Steve) Gear, Debbie (Steve) Jackson, and Karen (Tom) Mascazzini; and seven grandchildren, including those he was especially close to, Samantha (Garrett) Sweet and Andrew (Dawn) Gear.

A private graveside service will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caesarea Baptist Church, 807 Taylor Rd., Mansfield, OH 44903.

The family would like to express a special thank-you to the Department of Veterans Affairs, including Dr. Rajaram and his staff in Mansfield and Cleveland, for their excellent care.

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