Val Gookin

Val Gookin, 75, of Hot Springs, Ark., went to rest on Feb. 21, 2022.

Val is survived by a daughter, Valerie Harness (Bobby) of Ozark, Ark.; grandkids, Jenn, Sharee, Pete, Anna, Shelby, Randall, Tanner and Alex; 15 great-grandkids, Russell (Lavonne) Palmer and Shirley (Arvie) Wiles of Mountain Pine, Anna Tucker, Robert (Vickie) Palmer of Hot Springs. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Val was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Velma (Palmer) Gookin; daughter, Toni Gookin; and parents, Edward and Betty Gookin.

Val was born Aug. 26, 1946, in Amambai, Brazil, (Valedemar Belmonte Sobrinho). Where he resided until he was 10 years old after the passing of his mother. Val was brought to the U.S. and was adopted by Edward and Betty Gookin.

Val attended the Arkansas School for the Deaf in Little Rock, Ark.

Val loved hunting, fishing, gardening, searching for arrowheads and bowling, where he was on a league for many years. He loved watching the Razorbacks, old westerns, game shows and visiting and being with family and friends. Val was employed by Lake Catherine Footwear for 35 years and WinchoiceUSA for two.

Pallbearers: Allen Constant, Morgan Wiles, Brannon Wiles, Carlin Palmer, Jeffrey Palmer, Michael Palmer.

Honorary pallbearers: Pete Wade, Arvie (Dob) Wiles, Brent Chaney, Adam Davis and Raymond Crouse.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home on Section Line Road, Hot Springs.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, at Caruth Hale Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Godwin Cemetery on Clearcreek Road in Hot Springs.

Online condolences at http://www.caruth-hale.com.