Leon J. Gooden, 86, Overland Park, a former longtime resident of Osawatomie, died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005.

He was born Oct. 21, 1919, in Greeley to Mace and Nellie Switts Gooden. He attended Osawatomie schools and graduated from high school with the Class of 1938.

He was baptized and received Christ as his Savior at the age of 16 and became a member of the Osawatomie Christian Church.

During his adult life, he was a farmer, farming several properties southeast of Osawatomie.

He was married to Frances Ruth Deering on June 14, 1953. They had three children. They later moved into Osawatomie, where he worked at the Osawatomie State Hospital until his retirement in 1981. His wife preceded him in death.

Mr. Gooden continued to be active in the outdoors, camping with his family and with the Twin Rivers Camping Club. He loved to garden and spent many happy moments raising flowers and vegetables for family and friends.

In his later life, he moved to Olathe and later to Overland Park to be near his family.

Three brothers and a sister were among those preceding him in death.

Surviving are his sons, Lee Gooden of Overland Park and David Gooden of Olathe; a daughter, Nadine Henson of Spring Hill; and eight grandchildren.

Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday prior to services at 2 p.m. at the Wilson & Son Funeral Home in Paola, 305 N. Pearl St. Burial will be at Cadmus Cemetery in Parker.

Memorials may be made to the Overland Park Arboretum, care of Wilson & Son Funeral Home, 305 N. Pearl St., Paola, KS 66071.