Barry Lynn Goodman

Barry Lynn Goodman, 64, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with the lasting effects of multiple strokes. Surrounded by the love of his family, Barry spent his final moments exactly where he wanted to be—at home.

Barry was born on November 22, 1961, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Ray and Luella Goodman, who preceded him in death. He is also reunited with the love of his life, Cheryl Goodman; his brother, Gary Goodman; his sister, Sandra Brodersen; and his beloved niece, Tami Wieser.

He is lovingly survived by his daughter, Amanda Heanue and her husband, Cody Heanue; his stepson, Ryan Hanten and wife, Nicole Hanten; his stepdaughter, Dana Sughroue and husband, Alex Sughroue; his stepdaughter, Courtney Hanten; his nine grandchildren, Taylor, Lila, Brock, Luke, Dakota, John, Ashton, Carter, and Noah; his nephew, Pat Brunson; his cousin, Kevin Goodman and wife, Mary; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Greg and Linda Bohn; and his mother-in-law, Karen Richardson, with whom he shared a special bond, along with many other family members and lifelong friends who will deeply miss him.

Barry grew up in Omaha surrounded by family and lifelong friends. Summers were filled with baseball games, tackle football, and adventures with his cousin Kevin and his nephew Pat, who was more like a little brother than a nephew. Their grandfather spent countless hours outside playing baseball with the boys, creating memories and a bond that lasted a lifetime.

Football was one of Barry's greatest passions. A standout at Benson High School, he was recruited to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He loved telling stories from those days, especially joking that future NFL star Irving Fryar only made it to the pros because he had the privilege of practicing against Barry. A serious automobile accident ultimately ended his football career, but his passion for the Huskers never faded. Barry proudly amassed an impressive Nebraska football collection, and Saturdays in the fall were reserved for cheering on the Big Red.

Barry was first married to Mary Jo, and together they welcomed his first and only biological daughter, Amanda Jo. Though life took them down different paths, they reconnected later in life and shared meaningful time together. He was grateful to have spent meaningful time together, and Amanda was by his side during his final hours, helping care for him and offering comfort until the very end.

The greatest love story of Barry's life began years before either of them knew it. Around 1974, while still teenagers, Barry met Cheryl at Skateland, where she worked. Barry called it "love at first sight." Even though he never enjoyed drinking pop, he would buy one anyway just to have an excuse to visit with her. He couldn't take his eyes off her and always hoped she would someday give him a chance. For decades they remained friends, but Barry never stopped believing she was the one.

On New Year's Eve in 2007, Barry finally worked up the courage to steal a kiss. Later that year, Cheryl agreed to go on a date with him, and the relationship Barry had dreamed about for decades finally began. They were married on June 26, 2008, beginning eighteen wonderful years together.

Together they enjoyed riding motorcycles, spending days fishing, playing cards, attending concerts featuring their favorite classic '70s bands, traveling to Colorado and Las Vegas with Linda and Greg, cheering on Husker football and other sporting events, and, most importantly, spending time with their grandchildren. Whether attending dance recitals, ball games, school events, or babysitting, Barry cherished every opportunity to be part of his grandchildren's lives.

Barry appreciated quality and believed some things were worth investing in. Whether it was a pair of cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, a good pair of sunglasses, or just about anything else, Barry always preferred the best over the cheapest. He loved Western wear and wore it proudly. As he'd happily tell anyone with a grin, that philosophy extended to his choice in women, too—he believed he had found the very best when Cheryl finally gave him a chance.

Barry's devotion wasn't just something he spoke about—it was something he lived. He lovingly cared for Cheryl through her battle with breast cancer, never wavering in his commitment to the woman he adored. Losing her in November 2025 broke his heart, and those closest to him knew a part of Barry left with her that day. Though he continued to smile for those he loved, he never stopped missing the love of his life.

Barry himself suffered multiple strokes in 2023 that left him with significant physical challenges. Cheryl cared for him faithfully until her passing, after which his daughter Amanda, and Ryan and Nicole Hanten lovingly stepped in to continue caring for him at home, honoring both Barry's wishes and Cheryl's legacy of love.

Even through his difficult final months, Barry still found joy in the simple things. Turn up some loud country music, hand him a cup of coffee on the deck where he could watch the birds, and for a little while, his smile would return.

Barry will be remembered for his loyal heart, his love of family, his devotion to Cheryl, his pride in being a Husker, a father and grandfather, his stories, his music turned up just a little too loud, and the quiet way he always showed up for the people he loved. His greatest accomplishment wasn't football or any achievement—it was loving deeply and being deeply loved in return.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing Barry is whole again, reunited with Cheryl, and together once more.

Visitation 1:00 - 3:00 PM Saturday (8/8/2026) at Roeder Mortuary.

Roeder Mortuary2727 N 108th St - Omaha, NE - 402-496-9000 www.RoederMortuary.com