Robert Eugene Gooden, age 64, of Thompsonville, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at his home.
His wishes are to be cremated.
A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
Eugene was born on August 30, 2026, in Pinckneyville, Illinois, the son of Robert Gooden and Imogene (Stevens) Hughes. He married the former Jennifer Joy Bocock on December 7, 2008, and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2025.
He, along with his former wife, owned and operated the Groove Shop on East Main Street in Benton. Prior to moving to Franklin County, he worked out of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 of Chicago, Illinois. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. His brothers said he was a “motor head” and enjoyed anything about cars and engines. He even helped one of his brothers rebuild an engine for a Chevrolet truck. Eugene was of the Baptist Faith.
Surviving is his siblings: Larry Gooden of DeSoto, Illinois, Logan Gooden of DeSoto, Illinois, Joe Hughes of Elkville, Illinois, Cheryl Williams of DuQuoin, Illinois, Myra Gossett of Carterville, Illinois, Bobbi Gooden of Clinton, Arkansas, Betty Sue Hughes and Paula Reale both of Austin, Texas, and Judy Walker of DeSoto, Illinois, his stepfather Willard Hughes of DeSoto, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by His father Robert Gooden, mother Imogene Hughes, and his wife Jennifer Joy Gooden.
Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Robert Eugene Gooden, may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Mr. Robert Eugene Gooden, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
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