Richard Bruce Goodner, age 74, resident of Colleyville, TX since 1986, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020. "Rick" was born to the late Richard Arnold Goodner and Evelyn Ruth (Pethtel) Frame in Kermit, TX. Rick grew up in Jal, NM, and graduated from Jal High School. He was a member of the Jal Panthers' football and baseball state championship runs, and often enjoyed returning home for JHS class reunions. He graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1967, and next enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas to study Economics. Soon after classes started, it became apparent that law school better suited his interests, and he graduated SMU, J.D. '70. Rick was an attorney for over forty-two years, specializing in Corporate, Securities and M&A law.
Through the course of his life, he spent time managing his own firm, serving as partner in large Dallas law firms, and serving as General Counsel and Board Member of various public companies. He loved and cared deeply for his wife, Rita. After 34 years of marriage they still made each other laugh. They more than loved each other, they were best friends too. They had a beautiful bond. A dinner hosted at Rick and Rita's house was a treat! Family and friends were well-fed from his giant iron BBQ Pit, or with gourmet dishes he created from scratch. Oreos, Dr Pepper, and chocolate candy bars were just a step stool away for grandchildren. Rick's generous heart and charm is what drew people to him. He was very funny and took pride when he successfully pulled off a prank. He and his daughter, Nicole, enjoyed trying to outdo each other with their pranks. Rick's love of life and fun personality will be missed greatly.
Rick had many passions. He loved fishing trips with friends and family to Caddo Lake in Uncertain, Texas. Father and son fishing trips were especially meaningful to his son Eric. On the weekends, you would always find Rick planting and spending time in his beautifully landscaped yard. His home gardens were colorful with vast arrays of seasonal flowers and plants. He took such pride in his yard. Rick also never missed a Dallas Cowboys game. History books had a special place in his life, and he was constantly finishing a large biography or WWII epic before bed. Rick also took interest in the business of horse racing, and owned some decent horses along the way. He even attended the Kentucky Derby and Breeder's Cup in his life, but alas, only as a paying spectator, and not a champion owner.
Rick is survived by his wife: Rita Goodner; sisters: Mary Evelyn (Goodner) of Lubbock, TX, Anita (Frame) Snider and husband Doug of Palestine, TX, sons: Richard Eric Goodner and wife Liza of Southlake, TX, and Paul Gafford of Colleyville, TX; daughters: Natalie Nicole (Goodner) MacFarlane and husband Alex of Dallas, TX, and Lesa Jones and husband Robb of Forney, TX; five grandchildren: Casey Bowen, Matthew Richard, George "Elliot", Daphne Noelle, and Liam Roger; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Evelyn; stepfather: Frank Frame; brothers: Allen Frame and David Frame.
We welcome all to celebrate Rick Goodner's life at 12:30pm, Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home in Colleyville, TX with a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to North Texas SNAP (ntxsnap.org), Colleyville Lion's Club, or Jal Historical Society and Museum.
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