Joey N. Gooden, beloved father and dear brother was born on February 18, 1953 to Joe and Lillie Bush Gooden, both preceded him in death. Joey was educated in the St. Louis Public School System and graduated from Vashon High School.  Joey accepted Christ at an early age at Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church where he attended Sunday School and was a member of the choir in the early 1960's under the direction of Yvonne Love.   After high school, Joey served in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1973.  He then worked for more than 20 years at General Motors and earned his degree in Funeral Services from St. Louis Community College-Forest Park.  While an employee of General Motors, Joey discovered his passion working as an Embalmer serving numerous funeral homes in the St. Louis Metropolitan area and Illinois.  During his tenure as an Embalmer for more than 30 years and a member of Embalmers Local 610, Joey became well-known for his embalming skills.  Whenever there was need for final arrangements of family or friends, Joey was often called upon for his expertise.  The signature phrase was always, "Call Joey!  He will handle it" and he always did no matter what.    Joey always looked forward to getting together with his long time friends, Steve, Kenny and Tony.  He also loved watching sports on television especially football and basketball.  Joey truly adored his granddaughters, Jordyn Jadyn and Matilyn as he was highly revered as "Paw Paw" which melted his heart.   Gone too soon...Joey departed life suddenly at the John Cochran VA Medical Center on Saturday, May 13, 2017.   He leaves to cherish his memories: two sons, Joey L. Gooden(Karen) and Matthew Gooden(Nicole);  two sisters, Marilyn E. Holmes(Oliver) and Vickie M. Gooden-Rozelle;  four granddaughters, Jordyn, Jadyn, Matilyn and Nija;  nephews, Kraig C. Troupe(who preceded him in death), Royal O. Holmes, Brian L. Rozelle(aka Damien Rose), Brandon J. Rozelle, Jamel O. Holmes and Khristian Ray-Maurice Shannon;  nieces, Karmen A. Brock, Jill N. Holmes, Kenya Sanders-Holmes (Royal), Amber N. Troupe, Kourtney Harris, Charmian Butler, Zariah A. Brock and Lilly Dru-Sanders Holmes;  and a host of other family members and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joey Gooden, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.