Kevin Goodwin

Kevin Duane “Poppi” Goodwin September 29, 1967 – March 14, 2023 The man, the myth, the legend, Kevin Duane “Poppi” Goodwin of Texarkana, Arkansas, took his Harley for his last ride on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 and rang his bell at the age of 55 years old. Kevin was born September 29, 1967 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Dennis Ray Vaughn and Patsy Moody. He was the co-owner of Goodshack Properties. Kevin was a Jesus-loving, Christian by faith. After the loss of his father at the age of 3, Kevin and his family moved from Oklahoma to Texas where his mother met and married Carlton Goodwin. Carlton adopted Kevin and his three siblings, and the family resided in DeKalb, Texas. During his younger DeKalb years, Kevin’s friends referred to him as “Goody.” During his “Goody” years, Kevin was known for his dashing good looks, charismatic personality, wild antics, and southern “cowboy-like” charm. As the youngest of his siblings, he could charm his sisters into just about anything he wanted; however, the charm didn’t quite work so well on his big brother – someone he looked up to for early guidance once their father passed at such an early age. As he matured and became a father in his early 20s and living in Texarkana, Kevin evolved into a man with intentional purpose to be a good father and provider. He had early dreams of being successful in business, but he had not quite formalized his vision. He worked in various trades throughout his early life. Despite a young marriage and divorce in his early 20s, he persevered as an excellent father to Blake, and maintained a strong father-son bond that flourished and sustained Kevin throughout his life. The years between his 20s and 30s can be characterized as “growth” years on all fronts. He remarried, had three additional children (Courtney, Kyndal, and Kasen), grew in his trade skills, added friendships, and maintained his southern charm. In his late 30s, he divorced and suffered great loss and immense heartache from an estranged relationship with his three small children, a deep suffering that overshadowed and defined this period of his life. He found his way back by developing a close relationship with Jesus. Although he never fully healed from this loss (until his dying breath), this defining period in his life prepared him well for meeting his twin flame, Denise, in his early 40s (2009). Denise brought a calming presence into his life. Her devotion and “ride or die” commitment to him brought long, sought-after stability into his life and great adventure. They enjoyed motorcycle riding, RV camping, floating rivers, fishing, entertaining friends, and each other. In the early years of their relationship, Kevin became a grandfather and adopted the name “Poppi.” As Poppi, he grew a long beard (think Duck Dynasty,) wore a ponytail on many occasions, lost a tooth or two (lol), and was full of love and light when it he came to his grandkids. He consistently took his grandkids on camping, fishing, and boating adventures, bought school clothes, and practically anything they wanted. He simply loved spending time with them. Poppi also became a successful businessman. He and Denise bore fruit from their years of efforts. He also found his long sought-after peace and protected it at all costs. He loved everyone even if it meant he had to love them from afar. Although his death was untimely, he went out on top. He was well loved, he loved well, and he was happy and found peace. Everyone who knew him would agree that Poppi never met a stranger, and he knew how to live life to the fullest. Poppi was known to many as a self-proclaimed outlaw who could wear many hats. His chef hat was one of a kind and his overt love language. His honey burgers and mouth-watering smoked meats will forever be a family staple. A hobbyist, his motorcycle helmet was worn hundreds of miles as he rode with his wife and the many friends that turned into family. He wore his cowboy hat for the outdoors – camping and fishing were an engrained part of his being. ‘King Poppi’ wore a crown to self-proclaim he was the King of the party – at every party, and duly crowned himself again when watching OU football (Boomer Sooner). Poppi was an enthusiast of music and could appreciate any genre; however, rock and country music were his loves. He wore his flat bill hat when listening to rock music, and his cowboy hat when he listened to pure country. Although there is not a specific hat (except maybe a bandana) that he wore that adequately describes his rough and tumble relationship with his dogs, we would be remiss without mentioning his love for his pit bulls (fur babies). He was preceded in death by his father and adoptive father, Dennis Ray Vaughn and Carlton Ray Goodwin; and his mother, Patsy Gail Moody Goodwin. He is survived by his wife, Denise Goodwin of Texarkana, Arkansas; son and future daughter-in- law, Kevin “Blake” Goodwin (Caitlyn Cook) of Conway, Arkansas; his two daughters and son Courtney Johnson, Kyndal Miller, and Kasen Goodwin of Texarkana, Texas; stepdaughters and stepson, Kayla Gray (John) of Texarkana, TX, Meagan Murry (Weldon) of Rogers, and Dylan Rosser of Fayetteville, Arkansas; brother Dennis Vaughn of Stillwater, Oklahoma; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Jennifer Goodwin of Texarkana, Arkansas and Dana Goodwin Gist (Bud Gist) of Wilton, Arkansas; and five grandchildren, Kaisun “Kai” Goodwin of Vilonia, Arkansas, Harris Robertson and Lilly Goodwin of Gonzales, Louisiana, and Nora and Nolan Murry of Rogers, Arkansas; in-laws Elsie and Larry Brisson of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Doug and Pat Vialoux of Stanford, Manitoba, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Memorial service celebrating Kevin “Poppi’s” life will be held on Saturday April 22, 2023, 12:30pm at the Elk’s Lodge 4701 Garland Ave, Texarkana, AR 71854.