Thomas Mattison Goates, of Elm Springs, Arkansas, passed away on January 20, 2024. He was born September 19, 1932 to the late, David and Penzie Goates, in Elm Springs, Arkansas. Thomas was a Mason, post 274 and a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He first encountered the love of his life, Patsy Jane, while stationed in California, and they were married on September 30, 1956 in Santa Monica, California. Following their time in California, Thomas and Patsy returned to Thomas' hometown of Elm Springs, where they built a life centered around family. Thomas spent his life as a mechanic, and he would spend any free time working on something. His love for maintaining his farm was a testament to his hardworking spirit, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need. As the years unfolded, Thomas and Patsy found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Thomas and Patsy enjoyed square dancing and creating cherished memories by going on trips together with Travel Masters. Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Jane Goates, daughter, Nancy Ann Shaw; granddaughter, Melissa Shaw; and 6 siblings, Marjorie, Elmo, Loyd, Ulysses, Maida, and Marlene.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol Simpson and husband, Frank, of Springdale, Arkansas; granddaughters, Krystle Johnston, of Lowell, Arkansas, Irene Wilson and husband, Todd, of Essex, Illinois, and Kristina Fuller and husband, Jeremy, of Huntsville, Arkansas; 5 great grandchildren, Lucas, Lunden, Lathan, Jeremiah, and Amelia; brothers, Roy Goates, of Wichita, Kansas, Guerin Goates, of Elm Springs, Arkansas, Willard Goates, of Lowell, Arkansas, and Alfred Goates, of Decatur, Arkansas.

Celebration of Life will be held March 9th, 2024, 11:00am at the Elm Springs Community Center.