Allan Goodbary
Departed ~ 9/26/2016
On the evening of September 26, 2016, Robert Allan Goodbary passed away after a 4 ½ year battle with cancer; while being surrounded by his loving family and friends. Robert Allan was 73 years old. Born in 1942 in Iola Kansas to Allan and Dorris Goodbary, Robert Allan was able to see much of the world with his family before graduating high school in Bangkok, Thailand. He later graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Auditing and was commissioned through the Army ROTC Program as a Second Lieutenant in Infantry. Robert Allan met his wife Shirley at Oklahoma State where they started their adventure together. They traveled throughout the world where they raised two sons and moved some 38 times during their 31 year military career. In their 54 year marriage, they have been blessed to serve the country and meet so many wonderful friends. Prior to and during his military career, Major General Goodbary attained a Masters degree in Management from Central Michigan University. His military education included the Infantry School’s Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, and the National War College. Major General Goodbary traveled the world and his assignments included: Company D, 5th Battalion, 1st Basic Combat Training Brigade, Ft Jackson, South Carolina, Troop C, 3d Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, 164th Combat Aviation Group in Vietnam; 19th Aviation Battalion (Combat), Eighth US Army, Korea; Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft Hood, Texas; Assistant Division Commander- Support and Community Commander, 3d Infantry Division, Germany; and Commanding General, Task Force Victory (Forward), Kuwait. His decorations and awards include: Defensive Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, parachutist Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge and army General Staff Identification Badge. After 31 years of active commissioned service in the United States Army, MG Goodbary joined Oklahoma State University. General Goodbary held multiple positions prior to becoming the OSU System Chief of Staff where he served as the CEO/Presidents liaison with the Executive Team, working closely with OSU System Presidents, Provost, Vice Presidents, and other OSU administration. Through appointment by former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating, he also served on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma City National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism. As well as being a devoted husband and father, General Goodbary was an avid photographer. His photographs have left a permanent image in all of our lives. He loved to play golf, watch his children and grandchildren play sports, and oh how he loved great food and adventures with friends. His loyalty as a husband, an OSU Cowboy, and friend has served as an example for all to emulate. General Goodbary was preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Dorris, and his sister Rhonda Simpson. He is survived by his devoted wife Shirley, his sons David and Michael, his daughter in-laws Lori and Tanya, his grandchildren Kelsey and spouse Scott, Mollie, Mitchell, Luke, Griffen, and Cooper, his sisters Joan, Marilyn, Amelia, and Alice, and a host of friends he has touched so deeply. A celebration of life will be held at the Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, Oklahoma at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 29th, 2016 with Rev Leah R Hrachovec officiating. Viewing will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Fort Sill National Cemetery, 2648 NE Jake Dunn Road, Elgin, Oklahoma, 73538 on Friday, September 30th, 2016 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Oklahoma State Foundation are appreciated. OSUgiving.com (in memory of MG Robert A Goodbary) or make checks payable to OSU Foundation, in memory of MG Robert A Goodbary, PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749.
