06/02/2026
Levi Goode, husband of Jodi Payne Goode, Class of 2000, has passed away. Please say a prayer for Jodi and their families.
Levi Grant Goode of Cross Plains, Texas passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Born on July 22, 1980, to Alan and Sandy Goode in Abilene, Texas, Levi was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, friend, and husband. He was a devoted brother to Grady and a loyal friend, forming deep bonds with many whom he cherished as brothers throughout his life. Levi possessed the uncanny ability to connect with people in any setting, to tell a riveting story, and to be the unfiltered truth-teller in the room. He loved to make people laugh. He had a brilliant mind, disarming wit, and a rare gift of fostering community with others.
Levi grew up in a loving home in Eastland, Texas. He graduated from Eastland High School in 1998, and after attending Cisco Junior College, went on to earn a degree in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of North Texas in Denton in 2003. Although his work took him in other directions, film and film production were always a passion for Levi, who enjoyed movie-quote-filled conversations with loved ones, an expertly crafted one-shot scene, and had a gift for quoting his favorite films at just the right moment.
Levi was also deeply passionate about music and songwriting. After learning guitar at a young age, he went on to play the harmonica, drums, and more. Through his time in bands, he formed lifelong friendships and found joy in creating music. He also enjoyed attending live concerts and experiencing unique music venues.
He had a heart for connecting with and helping others and found meaning in work that allowed him to do both, most notably through his work at Myrtle Wilks Community Center, with the Cisco Rotary Club, and through Goodfellows.
Levi married his best friend and soul mate, Jodi Lynn Payne, on June 18, 2011 who he loved fiercely. The couple made their home in Cross Plains, eventually purchasing and remodeling a home in the country that served as the perfect place to foster Levi's love for the outdoors, for entertaining friends and family, and for showing off his impressive culinary skills. Together, they shared a love of travel and cherished the adventures they created side by side.
Levi is survived by his wife, Jodi Goode, his mother and father, Alan and Sandy Goode, his brother Grady Goode and wife Kim, nephews Grant and Garrison Goode, and niece Emerson Goode.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter and Almeda Goode, and his maternal grandparents, Lester and Betty Nicholas.
Levi will be deeply loved, forever missed, and always remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know him. He was truly one of a kind.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at Edwards Funeral Home in Eastland. A service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, at Mountain Top Church, located in the Myrtle Wilks Community Center in Cisco. A private burial for close family and friends will follow at Dressy Cemetery in Callahan County.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Levi's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), a cause that he helped facilitate donations in support of for many years, or to the Cross Plains Community Cancer Fund.
