Allen Michael Goyette

On New Year’s Day, 2026, Allen Michael Goyette peacefully concluded a remarkable journey of 90 years. He was born at home in Big Foot, Texas to Marjorie “Margie” Elizabeth (Brooks) Goyette and John Allen Weir and named John Allen Weir Junior. John left the family when Allen was seven, and Allen and his brothers and sister were placed in the Protestant Orphan’s Home on 802 Kentucky St until he was fourteen. He and his brothers and sister were adopted out of the orphanage by Margie’s new husband Frances “Frenchie” Goyette. At that time, he changed his name to Allen Michael Goyette.

He served in the US Army for just under three years, as a signal corps specialist. He was stationed at a small French post along the Maginot line. He enjoyed his time in Europe, finding joy in travel and sport, becoming a regional boxing champion.

He married Joy Salmon and they had three children: Carmen, Michael and Roman.

Education was Allen’s guiding light. He earned degrees in History and Theology, believing deeply in the power of knowledge to transform lives. As a teacher in New Braunfels and San Antonio ISDs, Allen touched countless young minds, making learning engaging and memorable. His inventive games, like “Science Bingo,” and his caring presence as a school bus driver, brought laughter and encouragement to his students. Allen’s humor— “Ok kids, keep it down during the ride home, I’m trying to sleep!”—remains a cherished memory for many. During the summers he worked in construction as a master carpenter. He also built several houses himself, selling each soon after they were finished.

After retiring from Smith Elementary in SAISD, he put his energy into nourishing his pecan orchard outside of La Vernia. He bought 26 acres in 1997 and put in power, irrigation and eventually planted 740 trees, with more planned. He worked at the orchard every day until he couldn’t anymore and then had folks drive him out so he could just look at it. His children helped him with various orchard chores over the years and his son-in-law, Terry Veeder, took over full time orchard management in 2020.

Preceded in death by his parents, Margorie and John, his stepfather Frenchie, his sister Marlene, and brothers Clark, Clifford, and Jerry, Allen is survived by his brother Marshall, his daughter Carmen, and his sons Michael and Roman. Their lives, and the orchard he cultivated, continue to flourish in his memory.

The family is deeply grateful for the kindness and support shown by Three Oaks Hospice, whose gentle care brought dignity and comfort to Allen in his final days, and whose ongoing support continues to help us navigate our loss. We also wish to thank Sunset Memorial for their prompt and thoughtful assistance, ensuring that Allen’s preparation and internment were handled with respect and grace, and for the unwavering support they have provided to our family during this difficult time.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at10:45am at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery,1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Allen to Three Oaks Hospice 9830 Colonnade Blvd STE 470 San Antonio TX 78230.