Goodman, former Chieftain player, coach dies at 44

Lonny Goodman spent the first half of his life playing sports, and the last half coaching and supporting them.

Goodman died in his home Sunday at the age of 44.

It was obvious Goodman was going to be an athlete at an early age.

"He started playing baseball and football in California at age seven," said Mindy Littlefield, Lonny's sister. "He was a pitcher and was put on an all-star baseball team at age 10."

Goodman moved to Oklahoma in 1973 and graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1980.

While at Sapulpa, Goodman excelled in football, baseball and wrestling and would forever be a part of Sapulpa football history, and what some call the most exciting year of Chieftain football.

The 1978 football season, under the direction of Art Davis, was the first time the Chieftain football team had ever won a playoff game, and only the second time they had ever been to the playoffs.

August 21, 2006 11:49 am
        Lonny Dean Goodman

Lonny Dean Goodman, 44 years old, of Sapulpa, went to meet his Lord and Savior and a host of relatives Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006 in his home that he loved so much and was so very proud of.

Lonny was born Dec. 15, 1961 to Tom and Nena Goodman in Lompoc, Calif. He then moved to Oklahoma in 1973 and graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1980 where he was a stand-out football and baseball player.

He married the love of his life, Sheila (Kelley) Goodman, Aug. 7, 1982, and they made their home and raised their family here in Sapulpa.

Lonny was preceded in death by a baby sister, Laura Elizabeth Goodman; his grandpa, Will Lonny Goodman; his grandparents-in-law, Kel Kel and grandpa Kelley; his mother and father-in-law, Jay and Margie Kelley, who treated him just like he was their own son; grandpa and grandma Wheaton; and aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his precious wife of 24 years who he loved so very much and showed it every day, Sheila Goodman; daughter Sheana Goodman; son Tommy Jay "T.J." Goodman and daughter-in-law Nichole Isam Goodman and granddaughter Haley Nichole Goodman; parents Tom and Nena Goodman; one brother, Randy Goodman, and wife Vanessa; one sister, Mindy Littlefield, and husband Anthony; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Randy and Kay Kelley; brother-in-law Sonny and Lesha Anderson; niece Brandi Neely and husband David; nephews Jeremy Anderson and wife Tara, and Frank Kelley and wife Pamela; nieces Ciara Ware and Gracie Littlefield; nephews Eli Ware, Jarett Goodman and Gevin Littlefield; great-nephews Dalton Neely and Jordan Jay Anderson; his puppy Kozmo and cat Bill; and a host of cousins, uncles, aunts and so many friends, football boys and cheerleaders that he loved so much and that loved him.

Lonny worked at Tulsa Power as a purchasing agent and shipping and receiving supervisor. Lonny was so proud of his faith. He was saved on Nov. 15 1994 and was a member of Allen Free Will Baptist Church where he was saved and baptized. He witnessed to people on a daily basis.

He also served as youth director and Sunday school teacher and was also a board member in the past. He was such a devoted husband and dad and was probably the biggest Sapulpa Chieftain fan around. Everyone that knew him knew he would bleed blue blood. He was also a devoted OU Fan.

Everyone knew him as "Coach Lonny." He served as the Little Chiefs president for many years and took so many boys under his wings over the years. He also served on the Indian Nations Football Board and the Sapulpa Little Chiefs Cheerleading Board in the past.

His pride and joy were his children. He was so proud of them.

Lonny's service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006 at Allen Free Will Baptist Church at 71st Street and Highway 97 with the Rev. Johnny Bilby officiating. He will be laid to rest by his mother and father-in-law at South Heights Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Damon Crabtree, Ethan Allen, George Sheridian, Clay Cothran, Mark Melanson, Sam Phillips, Brad Sims and Brad Newport. Honorary pallbearers will be the 2006 senior football boys every boy that he ever coached in the past.

He will be missed by so many and was loved very much. We are all better people for having you in our lives. No one will ever replace you. You were one in a million, and God broke the mold when he made you.

I love you baby, you were my life.

We love you daddy.

I love you, grandpa, and we will see you in Heaven real soon.

Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.