Billy T. Goonan

Billy T. Goonan, 84, of Temple died Wednesday, August 26, 2015. Billy was born on May 22, 1931 in Lott Texas to Henry H. and Virginia Odell (Brown) Goonan. Graduated from Lott High School in 1948 and immediately enlisted in the US Navy. Upon his return to Falls County he married his childhood sweetheart Bernadine Kessler on May 2, 1953 in The Church of the Visitation, Westphalia Texas and immediately moved to Temple. Billy leaves behind his wife of 62 years and four children: Brian Goonan and his wife Cathy of Belton, Bruce Goonan of Austin, Brita McNeill and her husband Ricky of Temple, and Brad Goonan of Fort Worth. Survivors also include 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, his brother Henry H. Goonan, Jr and his wife Helen of Waco, and 9 nieces and nephews. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lillian (Goonan) Wakefield and his brother Coy Wayne Goonan. Billy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, philanthropist, rancher, auctioneer and telephone man. He worked 41 years for AT&T (formerly Southwestern Bell) while also managing the family farm and devoting a great amount of his time to the Knights of Columbus Council 3444 and the St. Mary's Catholic Church. Billy was a noted auctioneer working primarily for local churches and charities. He was a three time past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus and served in many capacities at both the local and state level. Billy converted to the Catholic Church upon his marriage to Bernadine and was a dedicated member to St. Mary's Catholic Church for over 60 years. Upon retirement, Billy managed the Knights of Columbus and worked to improve his cattle herd. Billy never shirked a task, never sought gratitude, and was equally comfortable on a stage or washing dishes. Loved and respected by many, Billy lived his life in service to others living by his motto "don't worry about the mule, just load the wagon". A visitation is scheduled at Scanio Harper Funeral Home Friday August 28 from 5:00 to 7:00pm with a rosary recital to follow immediately. A Christian Burial mass will be held at 10:00am Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Temple Texas. Military graveside services will be held immediately following at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Cyclone Texas.