Lonnie Maurice Goodrum

Lonnie Maurice Goodrum

A Life of Service, Strength, Family, and Love

Lonnie Maurice Goodrum passed away at his home in Cypress, California, following his battle with dementia. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a proud legacy of military service, and generations of family who will forever carry his love and memory in their hearts.

His Early Life and Education

Lonnie was born in Terrell, Texas, to Ida Lee Nickerson and Matthew Goodrum. In 1962, he and his family relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he attended J.C. Fremont High School. He later returned to his hometown of Terrell, Texas, where he graduated from W. Burnett High School in 1964.

Following graduation, Lonnie returned to California that summer and began working alongside his mother at Voit Rubber Company, where professional basketballs were manufactured. He dedicated many years to the company, developing a strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life.

A Proud Veteran and Dedicated Worker

In 1965, Lonnie was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served with the distinguished 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War. He returned home in 1968, the same year his daughter, Knatausha Renee Goodrum, was born. He received an honorable discharge in 1970.

His military service remained one of his greatest sources of pride. As a Vietnam veteran, Lonnie carried a deep appreciation for his country, his fellow soldiers, and the sacrifices made by those who served. He treasured the brotherhood, experiences, and memories of his time in uniform.

Following his military service, Lonnie continued his career at Voit Rubber Company. His professional journey also included employment with Emery Trucking Company. Throughout his working years, he developed lasting friendships and was known for his loyalty, generosity, and dedication.

A Life Filled with Passion and Joy

Beyond his military service and career, Lonnie was a man who appreciated life’s simple pleasures and the moments that brought people together. He had a lifelong passion for baseball and enjoyed bowling, fishing, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Whether playing dominoes, enjoying a game of cards, preparing a home-cooked meal, or sharing laughter and conversation, Lonnie found happiness in the company of those he loved.

A devoted sports fan, Lonnie faithfully supported his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Lakers. His enthusiasm for sports and loyalty to his favorite teams remained unwavering throughout his life. Those who knew Lonnie will remember his pride in his military service, his love for baseball, his generous spirit, and the lasting friendships he formed. His life was enriched by the people he loved and the countless memories they shared.

A Legacy of Family and Love

Family held a special place in Lonnie’s heart, and his legacy continues through the generations he leaves behind.

Lonnie leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife, Elsa Goodrum; his daughter, Knatausha Renee Goodrum; and his sons, Loranji Mikia Goodrum, Dalontae Goodrum, and Demetris Goodrum.

He is also survived by his brother, James C. Anderson III; his sister, Deborah Denice Taylor

Lonnie’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Karinne Goodrum and Darren Goodrum, children of Loranji; Knatalia Coleman and Nykaza Jackson Jr., children of Knatausha; DeAndre Goodrum, Jonzell Goodrum, and Najee Goodrum, children of his late daughter Tasha Lynn; and Sha’Kia Janae Arceneaux and Rha’kia Danae Arceneaux, daughters of his late daughter Dimitria.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his beloved daughters, Tasha Lynn Goodrum and Dimitria Goodrum, and his cherished grandson, Ja’Juan Lanell Rattler.

He also leaves behind several beloved great-grandchildren, extended family members, lifelong friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by his presence.

Forever in Our Hearts

Lonnie Maurice Goodrum lived a life marked by service, perseverance, loyalty, and love. He was a proud Vietnam veteran, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a brother, and a devoted friend.

His journey from Terrell, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, through his service in Vietnam, and into the hearts of generations of family tells the story of a man whose life was filled with strength, determination, and unforgettable experiences.

Although Lonnie has departed this earthly life, his spirit lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives he touched along the way. His family will forever cherish the laughter, the stories, the gatherings, his love of sports, and the countless memories that made him uniquely Lonnie.

His service to his country will always be honored. His love for family will always be treasured. His memory will forever remain in our hearts.

Rest in eternal peace, Lonnie Maurice Goodrum.

Tribute to My Father In Loving Memory of Lonnie Maurice Goodrum

God saw you were getting tired, And a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you, And whispered, “Come with Me.” With tearful eyes we watched you suffer, And we saw you fade away. Although we love you dearly, We cannot make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest God broke our hearts to prove, He only takes the best (By Rhonda Braswell)

your son Loranji Mikia Goodrum

I was so sorry to hear of your passing. Even though our paths went in different directions, the chapters we wrote together and the life we once built will always remain a part of our story. Saying goodbye brings up a quiet grief. We shared history, laughter, hard lessons, and a deep human connection that didn’t disappear with a divorce. I will remember the good in them, be thankful for what we learned from each other, and hold space for the family you leave behind, our wonderful children and grandchildren.

May you rest in peace. Sandra Goodrum

Celebration of Life for Lonnie Maurice Goodrum

Order of Service

Musical Selection

“The Best in Me” – Marvin Sapp

Old Testament Scripture Reading

Michael Adkins

New Testament Scripture Reading

Michael Adkins

Prayer of Comfort

“The Lord’s Prayer”

Musical Solo

Mervin Taylor

Sentimental Expressions

Family and Friends

Please limit remarks to two (2) minutes per person.

Obituary

Read Silently – Accompanied by Soft Music

Message of Assurance

Mervin Taylor

Eulogy

Minister Deborah Taylor

A Final Glance

Funeral Home Staff

Recessional

“The Battle Is the Lord’s” – Yolanda Adams

Pallbearers Active Pallbearers: DeAntre Julian James C. Anderson IV Jonzell Goodrum Najee Kirkland D’Anthony Duperon Jason Anderson

Honorary Pallbearers: Jonathan Smith Darren Goodrum Devon Duperon James C. Anderson III (Jimmie)