Delbert Ralph Goggin

Former Enid resident Delbert Goggin, 91, died March 16, 2012, at his home in Dallas, Texas. Delbert was born Feb. 5, 1921, in a log house near Wellston, Okla., to parents who came to Oklahoma Territory before statehood. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1943. Soon after that he was drafted in World War II, and traveled to India -- courtesy of Uncle Sam -- for service in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater. That experience overseas never left him, and he enjoyed trips to Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and Italy in later years. Although he found the world fascinating, Delbert said he could never move to Italy, because the Italians didn't have IHOPs. Along the way, he made friendships that lasted until his death. He married Reatha Winchester of Waukomis in 1942 in Stillwater, Okla., and they later made their homes in Crescent and Enid, where they raised their expanding family. Delbert's job as an industrial equipment salesman often required overnight travel. But he always made it back home for Reatha to attend her meetings of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority, reasoning -- correctly -- that she deserved time for herself, away from the demands of three young children. Delbert clearly loved his family, his country and his church. A few years ago his donation helped light the crosses at the front of the sanctuary at First United Methodist. As he arrived one day to inspect the finished project, he was thrilled to hear the organist rehearsing the thunderous last verses of the "Hallelujah Chorus." It was a serendipitous moment that couldn't have pleased him more. Delbert is survived by his daughters Kay Goggin and Mary Woods, both of Dallas; his son Terry Goggin and daughter-in-law Sylvia of Dunwoody, Ga.; grandsons Winchester Goggin and wife Crissy of Sandy Springs, Ga., and Daniel R. Goggin of Kansas City, Mo.; great-grandson Lucas G. Goggin and many nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his wife in 2001; his parents, Ralph and Alice O'Keeffe Goggin and his sister, Delsye Knisley. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 20, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Enid, Okla., under the direction of Anderson-Burris Funeral Home with burial next to his wife at Waukomis Cemetery. Visitation with family will be Monday evening 6:00 to 7:30 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

Delbert Ralph Goggin

February 5, 1921 - March 16, 1946