LULING, LOUISIANA — Donald Floyd Goodman, a former resident of Bridgton, Maine, made his final journey on Sept. 23, 2019, at his home in Luling, La., with his wife and step-daughter by his side.

Don was born on Aug. 8, 1957, in Fort Belvoire, Va. He was privileged to travel abroad with his parents and remembered much about his travels. The family eventually settled in Bridgton. Following graduation from Lake Region High School in 1976, Don served his country proudly in the U.S. Coast Guard for six years. He became a towboat Captain and held his Captain’s license for almost 40 years, transporting various goods for the American people

In his younger years, he was a talented gymnast and excelled at karate. He could still do a back flip from a standing position when he was 40!

Don was a lover of music, especially Queen and David Bowie. And he wanted it cranked up as high as it would go! If he wasn’t watching movies or trivia shows, he was playing music.

He loved being outdoors and spent much time walking in the woods on his property, identifying all the critters that lived there. He was forever in awe of the creation God gave us. He would be amazed at the tiniest insect and could spot details like no one else. He was sure to share those details and all his discoveries in nature with others, whether they wanted to know or not!

Don was a man of many talents. He made knives, carved walking sticks and could tie his own flies. He loved to cook. He was found often in the kitchen, both on and off the boats. 

Friends and family frequently rolled their eyes at Don, because he was so full of shenanigans! There was always a joke to be told, usually very corny, and he always found a willing subject to tease, especially his mother-in-law, who could dish it right back.

Boxers were his favorite pets. He owned four in his lifetime — Baron, Schatzie, Zelda and Ruby, who is mourning his loss.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Kim Havard Goodman of Luling, La.; one son, Donald Goodman of Lafayette, La.; two daughters, Jamie Martel and husband Ross of Nashville, Tenn., and Heather Alvarez and husband Rodinzon of Lafayette, La.; and one grandchild, Rosie Alvarez. He also leaves his sister, Cynthia Baker and her husband Perry, of Edgewater, Fla., and his brother, Forest Goodman of Bridgton, Maine. He also leaves behind two nephews, Seth deMatties and Jed Baker; a niece, Ivy Goodman; and a cousin, Tom Goodman. His second family will miss him greatly: Janae Hammett and friend, Tessa of New Orleans, La., Sarah Sacra and husband Strother of Luling, La., two stepgrandchidren, Lily and Eli Sacra and his in-laws, Lucy and Guy Havard of Baton Rouge, La.. Don and his step-son-in-love held a very special bond as they were both Merchant Mariners and had so much in common. Strother was instrumental in making sure that Don knew the Lord before he left this earthly life. He also leaves a host of friends, both in Maine and Louisiana, many fellow towboaters, and his beloved boxer, Ruby.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gwyndolin Goodman, two nieces, Jess Baker and Tansy Goodman, and sister-in-law, Carole Goodman.

There will be two opportunities to join his family and friends in celebration of Don’s life: Sunday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 26 Casco Rd., Naples, Maine; and Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m., in Luling, La., under the Luling Bridge overlooking the Mississippi River.

Memorials may be made to Louisiana Boxer Rescue, 8921 Camille Ct., River Ridge, LA 70123, or on their website: www.louisianaboxerrescue.org