Brian Cedric Goudeau Sr.

Brian Cedric Goudeau Sr. was born on November 11, 1964, to Joyce Irene Goudeau and William Vernon Givens in Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Dorothy Watson Woods (Granny), Ted Woods (Pops), Albert and Doris Goudeau, Love and Beulah Givens, his sister Renita Diane Scott, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Brian loved the Lord and established his faith at an early age. He was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, by the late Rev. I. H. Henderson Jr. at 43rd and Montgall. 

Brian loved his mother and grandmother wholeheartedly. As the oldest grandson, he often jokingly expressed his belief that he was his maternal grandmother’s favorite, an affectionate bond grounded in pride, love, and deep respect.

Brian was a proud son, grandson, brother, father, uncle, and friend. Each of his siblings, especially Ricky (his A-1 from day one), and Theresa (the baby girl), children, ex-wife Evelyn Grant, Aunt Lula Washington, Jacqueline Doolitte (Willie), and Godmother Sugar Lee Lewis will forever cherish the special moments shared with him. Brian was fun-loving, full of humor, and could make anyone laugh. He enjoyed telling jokes and could easily have been a comedian. Music was a great passion of his, including R&B, gospel, jazz, and he loved to two-step. 

Brian attended Francis Willard Elementary School, Mary Harmon Weeks, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, and Paseo High School. He often spoke fondly of his neighborhood friends, including Derrick Williams, John Paul, William, Joe, Ronnie Rollins, Raymond Beyers, and the Bell brothers: John, Kevin, and Cedric, as well as Keith Anderson and Paul Shields. 

Brian shared a deep and lasting bond with Carmen Turner, the mother of his first child, who remained a cherished part of the family throughout his life. After leaving Kansas City, Brian relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where he made his home. He married Evelyn Grant on September 23, 1991, in Springfield. Although their marriage dissolved, he considered her his forever love and remained part of her family until his passing. 

Brian was known for his vibrant spirit and infectious laughter. He had a gift for making any gathering memorable, often the life of the party at family events, always ready with a story, a smile, or a playful challenge. If you ever sat across from him during a game of spades, checkers, or dominoes, you knew you were in for more than just a game; you were in for a good time. Music filled his heart with joy and brought life to every room he entered. His love for music was passed down to his sons, especially his namesake, Brian Jr. (BJ). 

Brian’s passions extended into his professional life. He was a gifted cook, a meticulous landscaper who manicured lawns with precision, and a skilled carpenter. He spent his teenage years learning the carpentry trade under the guidance of his grandfather, Ted Woods, and his uncle, Herman Smith (Uncle Blue), where he honed his skills and developed a lifelong love for creating with his hands. 

He will be remembered not only for his talents and passions but for the warmth, laughter, and joy he brought to everyone around him. Brian’s legacy lives on in his family, his friends, and the countless lives he touched with his generosity, humor, and love. 

Brian leaves to cherish his memory: his loving sons, Brian Cedric Goudeau Jr. (Quiana), Jordan Devonne Goudeau, and Brandon Morris; siblings Amber L. Goudeau, Richard D. Goudeau (Carla), Darryl K. Goudeau, Jerome E. Smith, Stephanie E. Berry (Michael), and Theresa A. Smith; grandchildren: Janyiah, Lavario, Brian, Davion, Anthony, Maria, and Aliyana; two greatgrandchildren; Aunts, Lula Washington, Glenda Woods; Uncle, Norman Williams (Judy); Godmother Sugar Lee Lewis; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.