Michael Scott Gooden

Devoted and loving father, Michael Scott Gooden, 62 of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024. Scott was a quiet man who loved his family fiercely. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson in all that they did. Some of his favorite times were spent with his children and grandchildren at home, watching football, fishing at Lake Erie, or deer hunting in the woods.

Son of Michael Gooden and Sharon (King) Slinde and step-father Kerry Slinde, Scott was born on November 24, 1961 in Waynesburg, PA. He graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 1980 and joined the Overnite Transportation team after graduation. He lived a simple life while enjoying his career at Overnite working in most of the areas there (dispatcher, dock worker, supervisor), transitioning from Overnite to UPS to TForce Freight. He “retired” a few times, but did not enjoy sitting still, returning to work until finally retiring for real in 2018.

Scott was a beloved father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was a loving father with a fun sense of humor and always interested in the lives of his kids and grandkids. He loved to joke around with the kids, often bringing out the “tickle bug” bringing squeals of laughter to life.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kathryn and Francis “Red” Gooden and Paul and Jeanne King; his parents and step-father, Michael, Sharon, and Kerry; aunts and uncle: Karen Johnson-Corbett, Sue (Larry) Murdock, and Ralph “Scotty” King. He is survived by his siblings, Sherri (James) Davis, Lee Ann (Todd) Lippencott, and Paul (Kizzy) Gooden, as well as, his ex-wife and mother of his three children, Malinda Haught of Waynesburg, PA; their children: Rodney (Lacey) Gooden, Bobby (Megan) Gooden, and Ginny (Mike) Caldwell; seven grandchildren, Kaydee (Ben), Zoey, Hunter, Leighana, Izabella, Connor, and Willow; and great-grandson, Gatlin. He is survived by aunts and uncles: Rick (Ruth) King, Kay (Gary) Haas, and Jerry (Kathy) Gooden, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He spent his last days surrounded by the love of his whole family and passed peacefully with them at his side. His passing was unexpected but quick just as he would have wanted.

A celebration of his life for all family, friends, and colleagues will be held at the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793, 445 E. Lincoln Street Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, on February 10. Service will be at 1pm; food to follow from 2-6pm. In lieu of flowers, all donations can be directed to the Corner Cupboard Food Bank in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania in memory of Scott Gooden and can be sent to 881 Rolling Meadows Rd. Waynesburg, PA 15370 or online at https://cornercupboard.org/. Please note Scott’s name on any donation. Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home, Inc. 197 N. Maiden Street Waynesburg, PA 15370

Shane M. Ayers, Director are entrusted with his arrangements. Condolences can be shared with the family online at www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com