Wilfred Leon Goodson

Retired Brigadier General Wilfred Leon Goodson died November 18, 2025 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at age 86. A native of McAlester, Oklahoma. Gen. Goodson graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1960. Later he entered the University of Heidelberg where he received his doctorate in theoretical astrophysics in 1966.

As a senior pilot with 2,500 flying hours, he took pride in having commanded two fighter wings. At the time of his retirement he was serving as commander of the Air Force Center for Studies and Analyses.

Gen. Goodson was devoted to his family, his church, and his country. He was a long-time member of Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ in Bethesda, MD where he was known for his generous smile, his love of children, his skill in telling ghost stories, and his commitment to faithful service.
Survivors include his wife, Maryn Price Goodson; a sister, Paulette Higgins; two children: Sue Hughbanks (Randy Hughbanks); and Tony Goodson (Lisa Cominetti); six grandchildren: Grace Hughbanks, Vivian Hughbanks Jones, Sophia, Tessa, Isaac, and Pippa Goodson; and three great-grandchildren: Emma, Penelope, and Sophia Jones plus many devoted nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, John Stephen Goodson.

A gathering time for friends and family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Pumphrey Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on January 3 at Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, 1 Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda, MD with reception following. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org) or Westmoreland Church.