Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Wow! Rest in peace City Marshal Goff. A Show Me state hero!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 4, 2024

John Goff was my Great Uncle. I remember several times when he came to Cadet, Mo. to visit my Grandfather, Martin Goff. He would come down the road with sirens blaring and us kids would be so excited. He was a kind man and soft spoken. I will always treasure those memories of him.

Richard G Goff
Great Uncle

May 9, 2023

Jesus Christ proclaimed, “Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, D.Div, MSBS, NCCA
Ordained/Licensed Independent Christian Clergy
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

February 22, 2021

Parker Dunbar was my great uncle and one of 3 who robbed the iron county bank some time prior to Mr. Goff death. His wife and he were fighting and she proclaimed to tell on him for his crime thus leading him to a murderous rage. Tom Pearson I believe was the sheriff and ogie s. Deputy. From all accounts Mr. Goff was a very loved and respected man by the whole community.

Angela lambert
great nice of Parker Dunbar

February 1, 2021

Just wanted to correct my recollection of my great-grandfather’s name which I posted 7 years ago. He was John RICHARD Goff. May he dwell with God and may his memory be a blessing. I grew up hearing about his sacrifice.

No rank, just a teacher
Great-granddaughter

February 21, 2018

My father, Larry Douglas and my uncles, spoke highly of Mr Goff. My father even played music with him and cut a record. I wasn't born until the year after his murder, but as I was growing up my parents spoke highly of him.

Ellen Russell
Daughter of his old friend

May 16, 2017

R.I.P. Chief Goff. I just found out that you were my Great-Great Uncle. My family has spoken highly of you.

Deputy Chief Chad Farmer
Muskogee Police Department

February 22, 2016

RIP Chief Goff. 60 years ago you gave the ultimate sacrifice for the people of Missouri and the United States. You will never be for forgotten.

Anonymous

November 4, 2013

John R. Goff was my grandfather. My brother, John Goff McHenry and I are children of Marie Goff McHenry and John Duncan McHenry. Marie was the youngest of six children. I was four years old when Johnpa was killed but I remember that day when my mother got the horrible news and remember the funeral parlor full of flowers.

This fine officer was also a talented fiddler -- I remember hearing him play. We grew up hearing the story and to this day, I feel great sadness that we couldn't have had him with us for many more years.

carolyn McHenry Elwess
grand daughter

March 15, 2013

John Frederick Goff was my great-grandfather. I grew up hearing from my mom, Gloria Louise Goff, how her grandfather died a hero in the line of duty. I am so proud of him, though I never had an opportunity to know him since I was born a year after he died. May God bless him and all others who serve us at the risk of their lives. I thank you all!

Debbie Garcia, no rank, just a teacher
great-granddaughter

December 2, 2011

our heroism and service is honored today, the 58th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

November 4, 2011

I was only 5 years old when Chief Goff was shot and killed behind our home. The man who killed him had threatened various members of my family. I can still remember my mother hurrying through the house to protect my grandmother and I. My family also knew the woman who was killed that day by the same murderer. It was an awful day. I recall my mother retelling the story many times as I grew up. She said no one was more respected that Chief Goff and he died a noble death trying to portect the life of another. My mother, father and I moved to Washington state in 1957. But I have never forgotten what happened that terrible day in 1953.

Cheryll Mayberry-Smith
Ironton Resident

July 27, 2011

May God bless your family and loved ones. I pray you are in the peace of heaven and watch over those of us still here doing our jobs.

Sergeant Tim Burger
Hazelwood Missouri Police

April 30, 2008

Thank you great great Grandfather for your courage and service; you are well remembered!

Rachel and Margaret

April 25, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 2, 2007

you will not be forgotten rip

S/A G.Rowe Jr
RR Police Department NJ DIV

July 29, 2004

Chief, rest well you have been remembered as a brave and good man who did your best. The world is a better place for your efforts.

Sgt Malcolm
Wright City Police Department

February 17, 2004