Steven Croxton Goza

Steven Croxton GozaNov. 26, 1956 — Nov. 29, 2009RYAN — Steven Croxton Goza was born Nov. 26, 1956, in Ryan, to Jerry Glen and Charlotte Ann Murphy Goza. He passed from this life Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in his home in Waurika at the age of 53 and three days from Pancreatic Cancer.He and Anita Louise Randolph were married August 18, 1978 in Terral. He worked as restaurant manager for Bill's Fish House. Steve started working for the family-owned business in 1966. He was 10 years old and stood on a milk crate to wash dishes. He worked for the City of Wilson Police Department and for the City of Duncan Police Department as dispatcher. He was a very important fixture in the Jefferson County community. He served as the Waurika Ambulance Director for 13 years, Assistant Scout Master BSA 460 for seven years, worked with direction of the Waurika Rattlesnake Hunt, and his most loved position as the Jefferson County Emergency Manager. He received the ASCOG Emergency Management Award in 2009, and the Mickey Clarkson Award - Volunteer EM of the year 2007 for Oklahoma. He was a Baptist.He is survived by his wife Anita of the home in Waurika, his daughters - Samantha Brooke Goza of The Village, Shannon Michelle Smith and husband Macky Paul of Waurika, and Savannah Jo Goza of the home in Waurika, brothers - Thurman Mark Goza and wife Dee Dee of Plainview, Texas and David Glenn Gray and wife Nancy of Bullard, Texas, sisters - Jeri Nell Mays and husband Jim and son Jimmy "J." of Waurika and Chida Koelle Avant and husband Duane of Amarillo, Texas, and No. 1 grandson, Grady Wayne Smith.Celebration of Steve's Life will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 1, at the Addington Baptist Church with Jason Ebenhack officiating. Burial will be in the Ryan Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home in Waurika. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dudleyfuneralhomes.com or www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevengoza Family requests memorials be made to the Jefferson County Emergency Management Budget at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Waurika to continue the services that Steve held so close to his heart. The Steve Goza Benefit scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6 will be held as planned. Lunch being served at 11 a.m. and the auction starting at noon.