SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 504 Offered February 14, 2007 Celebrating the life of Howard Garth Goben. ---------- Patron-- Ruff ----------

WHEREAS, Howard Garth Goben of Halifax County, a beloved citizen and respected community supporter, died on September 22, 2006; and

WHEREAS, a native of Kilbourne, Illinois, Howard “Gobe” Goben was the son of the late Roy Preston and Ruth Helen Harris Goben and a graduate of Springfield High School and the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, an American hero, Gobe Goben bravely served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War, and continued in the military, retiring as a captain on July 1, 1975; and

WHEREAS, during his distinguished military career, Gobe Goben was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the Navy Occupation Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, Gobe Goben married Virginia Halligan and the couple traveled the world while he was in service, and finally retired to Buffalo Junction in Halifax County; and

WHEREAS, Gobe Goben will be fondly remembered for his service to his country and community and greatly missed by his wife, two daughters, a son and their families, especially his four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his brother; and numerous other loving family members and good friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of an outstanding Virginian, Howard Garth Goben; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Howard Garth Goben as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.