GOODSON, John L.

Arizona Independent Republic March 14, 1941 Page 9 John L. Goodson, Phoenix resident 28 years and widely known throughout the state, died yesterday afternoon in his home, 9 South 13th avenue, after a two-month illness. He was 68 years old. He was for 23 years custodian of the federal building—now the U. S. Courthouse at Van Buren street and First avenue—and had as his intimate friends federal officials from all sections of Arizona through many administrations. He retired from the custodianship in 1936. In addition to his wife, Grace G. Goodson, he is survived by three sons, Melvin L. Goodson, former speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, and Richard Goodson, both of Phoenix, and Kenneth Goodson, Benson; four daughters, Mrs. William A. Clark, Doris Anderson and Mrs. J. W. Graver, all of Phoenix, and Mrs. Fred Batte, Burbank, Calif.; nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. John Goodson was born in Goodson, Mo., a community named for his great-grandfather. He came to Phoenix from that community in 1913. He was a charter member of Montezuma Lodge No. 35, Free and Accepted Masons, was a member of the Odd Fellows and Sciots. He was a member of the First Baptist Church.