Holly MatkinAmarillo, TX – Randall County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Sergeant Gary Goodner died on May 17 after battling an unspecified illness.
The RCSO held a benefit luncheon for the 52-year-old sergeant in early May after he began experiencing multiple complications subsequent to an “invasive surgery” that took place on Mach 30, the department said in a Facebook post.
Sgt. Goodner passed away on May 17, surrounded by his loved ones, according to his obituary.
His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
“Our friend and brother, Sergeant Gary Goodner, went to be with the Lord last night after a valiant fight with an illness,” Randall County Sheriff Christopher Forbis said in a press release the following day.
Sgt. Goodner served the RCSO for nine years.
Sheriff Forbis said the beloved sergeant “gained the respect of all who have worked with him.”
“Gary always had a smile on his face and was the type of person that never hesitated to take on any challenge,” he noted. “Gary’s passing leaves a huge hole here at the office and in our hearts.”
Sgt. Goodner dreamed of becoming a law enforcement officer ever since he was a child, according to his obituary.
“He found passion in serving his community through the sheriff’s office while establishing meaningful connections with those he came in contact with and many he considered as family,” the tribute read.
Sgt. Goodner leaves behind his wife, Easter, as well as his five children and four grandsons.
He is also survived by his sisters, in-laws, cousins, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and his “large family from the Randall County Sheriff’s Office,” according to his obituary.
Sgt. Goodner was laid to rest on May 23.
“Please pray for Gary’s family and for all those that are hurting by his passing,” Sheriff Forbis said.
Please support #RCSO Gary Goodner and his #family during his difficult time by attending our #fundraiser #luncheon on May 5th, 11am-1pm at the DPS Helicopter Hanger, 9000 S. Georgia, Amarillo, TX. $10 = hamburger, chips, and a drink. #RCSONews pic.twitter.com/UWHQ0CN27F
— Randall County S. O.⭐️ (@RandallCountySO) May 3, 2023
Our friend and brother, Sergeant Gary Goodner, went to be with the Lord after a valiant fight with illness. Gary’s passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts and the office. Please pray for his family and all who are hurting. https://t.co/jfprCRMMjX
— Randall County S. O.⭐️ (@RandallCountySO) May 18, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Randall County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Gary Goodner, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
