John Paul Goodson

John Paul Goodson, age 89, of Lowell, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, surrounded by his family.

John was born on August 29, 1935, in Paris, Arkansas, to John Wesley and Eula (Biggs) Goodson. He grew up in Paris and graduated from Paris High School. He married Bequita Weeks and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Iceland as a radio operator.

John later worked for Coca-Cola and Firemaster in California before returning to Arkansas, where he spent over 40 years in the foodservice industry. He opened several local establishments, including The Eagle Drive-In, Goodson’s Pizza, Goodson’s Catering, and Goodson’s Restaurants. After retiring, he continued working alongside his sons in their golf car business.

More than anything, John loved traveling with Bequita, photographing landscapes, and trying new restaurants and food. His kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

John is survived by his sons, John Mark (and wife Janice Schluterman) Goodson of Springdale, and Kevin (and wife Patti Gilbert) Goodson of Fort Smith; his grandchildren, Ashley Goodson of Fort Smith, John Taylor (and wife Anna Tennant) Goodson of Fort Smith, and Mason Goodson (and fiancée Alexis Webb) of New York City; and a great-grandson, John Hollis Goodson, expected to arrive in October.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Bequita (Weeks) Goodson, and his sister, Mavis Jean Spindler.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14th, from 6–8 p.m. at Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris. All are welcome to attend and honor John’s memory. A graveside burial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15th, at Caulksville Cemetery, officiated by Rev Bill VanMeter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice or to the Subiaco Academy Tuition Assistance Program in John’s honor.

Funeral services are under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.

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