Francis Leo Goforth

Francis Leo Goforth of Miami, formerly of Cardin and Picher,
 died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at Integris Baptist Regional Heath Center
in Miami after an illness.  He was 78.

Mr. Goforth was born Feb. 14, 1931, in Picher to Ralph and Opal Grace (Darnell) Goforth. He lived in Cardin and Picher all of his life. 

He was a miner in Picher for many years then worked for United Iron and Metal in Miami and Picher until he retired. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Frank and Steve Goforth; one grandson, one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter. 

Survivors include his companion of 25 years, Eulala Miller of the home; one son, Ralph Goforth in Lawton;  two daughters, Laura and Allen of Miami and Diana and Ivan Wilkinson of Miami; one brother, Joe Emery of Michigan; two sisters, Chris Wilson and husband Edwin of Tennessee and Betty McKenzie of Michigan; his first wife, Virginia Laney of Neosho, Mo., seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Commerce. The  Rev. Geoff Buffalo will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery in Miami.

Pallbearers will be Dewayne Riley, Chevy Wilkinson, Tim Lovell, Wesley Riley, Noah Harrill and Ruben Riley.   Honorary pallbearers will be Don Lovell, Michael Wilkinson, Ron Watson and Allen Nusser.    

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.