I met Kevlen in Safai Coffee Shop on Bardstown Road. My 11 year old daughter was with me. This was 4 years ago. She saw he was drawing super heroes. Her dad draws super heroes. So, she and Kevlen made fast friends. She had her sketchbook with her and showed him some of her drawings and he drew a picture for her in the sketchbook. She still has it and remembers that day fondly. That chance meeting. Time and again. Kevlen was very kind and kid-friendly, and he seemed to have the patience of a saint, especially with my daughter who, at that age, could talk the ears off of an acre of corn. He made her feel noticed, important. And that is all any kid needs really. I'm greatly saddened to have come across this obituary today. I did not know of his passing. He was such a gentle man. I send my sincerest condolences to the family and to all those who loved him. I may be very late getting the news, but I still hope you find peace in knowing that he was a giver of kindness in this world that can be so dark. Rest in blissful peace, Kevlen. You remain fondly in our memories.
Sharon and Maddie Ramick

~ Sharon Ramick - September 2, 2021

I learned today that he passed. I didn't realize this was 2 years ago. Kevlen was very kind to me. We conversed online through Facebook. When he advertised that a commission was rejected, I took the opportunity to give his artwork a home. He was very patient with me when I had issues with my PayPal transactions. I'm so heart-broken. I wanted to meet him so badly and tell him how much his artwork meant a lot to me.

I'm truly sorry. I deepest and warmest condolences for your loss of Kevlen.

~ Lei Anne Carliza Black - August 2, 2021

Kevlen, I miss you.. I know we weren't close but you are still my big brother. Your brother Nolan misses you and wished that he could have been here. I hope you are able to spend time with your little brother Chris. We all miss him so much too. Hopefully you two and dad are just hanging out like it should've always been. I love you and one day I will see you again.

~ Alexandra Goodner-Manns - January 9, 2020

Today I had Facebook share a memory with me a picture of Magneto, It was years ago today that Kevlen drew this up for me. I had seen his amazing work through a friend of mine of facebook. Needless to say, I was inspired by the work of Kevlen. I wanted some to collect and hang proudly on my wall. finally, I reached out to kevlen I didnt know what to expect. What I found was the most amazing and compassionate man I could talk to we spoke about drawing and comics and I shared a few of my drawings although my talents were nowhere near his he praised my work and encouraged me to continue. we talked on and had some great conversations. I was in some bad times in my life but kevlan asked me who my favorite comic char was I of course loved Magneto. he drew me up the most amazing Magneto a guy could ask for. I will miss him not just for his work but for the compassion, he shared with me about art I will be forever blessed to have his work in my home and a small peice of his heart in my live. May you the family of such a wonderful man be blessed to have shared his life and love, my deepest thoughts will go out to you.

~ David Warner - June 25, 2019

As a child I have many fond memories growing up when my grandma Evelyn would take me to my auntie juices house . Off outta loop . My auntie juice was kevlens mom I had names for everybody ! And kevlen was the coolest ! He had a collection of match box cars that I was amazed at . And him and my uncle Rodney was the coolest cat around .kevelen has impacted so many lives even one of my employees sons was mentored in the art classes he gave! I’ll never forget the memories Rest In Peace my brother .

~ Chucky Campbell - April 4, 2019

As a child I have many fond memories growing up when my grandma Evelyn would take me to my auntie juices house . Off outta loop . My auntie juice was kevlens mom I had names for everybody ! And kevlen was the coolest ! He had a collection of match box cars that I was amazed at . And him and my uncle Rodney was the coolest cat around .kevelen has impacted so many lives even one of my employees sons was mentored in the art classes he gave! I’ll never forget the memories Rest In Peace my brother .

~ Chucky Campbell - April 3, 2019

I was very sadden to hear of the passing of this sweet gentleman whom was always an inspiration to all that knew him. Kevlen was always a pleasure to speak to, and share artist ideas with. May he rest in eternal peace. He will live on in the hearts and minds of the individuals whom where luck enough to know him. I will miss seeing him in HCC sketching and creating his magic. Love and light to his family in this difficult time. You are in my prayer.

~ Sanny Garrett - April 2, 2019

I met Kevlen while working at the Men's Warehouse. I was new to Louisville, and it was my first job. Immediately, we became close as we enjoyed conversing about music, fashion, and culture.

Quite frankly, it was less of a conversation and more of me taking notes from him. Kevlen knew music, fashion and culture much better then I did. Though I'm married now, I wasn't we first met as me, and my now wife was dating. I was getting ready to go to Michigan to visit her and wanted to impress her with my style. So, I went to Kevlen for tips. He took time out of his busy schedule to help me find the right outfits as well as create a music playlist for our time out. He also drew a picture of her that she still cherishes to this day. My parents saw the picture and requested one be made of them as well. Which of course he did. I still remember the day like it was yesterday as I waited at his home while he was drawing a masterpiece that hangs on their wall to this day.

Kevlen was both thoughtful and thought-provoking. The world will l deeply miss him. To his wonderful family, may the Lord bless and keep you all. May his legacy live on through each of you.

Sincerely,

Jamaal

~ Jamaal Williams - April 2, 2019

First I would like to send love and comfort to his Mother, his children and to his family. How do you sum up someone as incredible as this guy was and still is? I am not surprised that so many lives have been touched by Kevlen because when you meet someone who has that little something extra that makes him or her special you can sense it right away...and Kevlen was special. We have a history that goes way back as artists, entrepreneurs, and men who reflect and talked philosophically of the times we live in. Recently, He and I would often meet at the coffee shop, where he would draw and we would talk about ideas, maturity, accomplishments, and the journey of life. I got the chance to tell him how proud I am that he found his calling and was doing exactly what he wanted to do and was changing lives with his talents, and his children who I watched grow into artists with his tutelage were blooming into wonderful smaller versions of him as well. I cannot sum up the loss that I personally feel without my friend and my brother, so I cannot imagine how his family and others who have been in his life much longer than I must feel as well. I often called him "Morpheous" a reference to the movie The Matrix because he was always guiding me with wisdom trying to help me become the best version of myself. I will miss him more than I can express, however I am so very grateful to have had him in my life. Rest easy Kevlen!! I will see you on the other side my brother. Love you man!

~ Craig Shanklin - April 2, 2019

So sorry for your loss. From your loving arms to Jesus's loving arms. May the Lord comfort you.

~ Wanda and William Jackson - April 1, 2019

First meet kevlen few years ago instantly knew what a good man he was even tho we only talked face to face a few times we did on messengers. And felt a real connection with him. I am honored to have called him friend. I also had the privilege to take care of his father on one of my last shifts in er before I retired. I had made a mention to him about his last name and stated I had a friend who turned out it was kevlen. I stayed after my shift and talked with him about what a good man he had raised.

~ Micheal Hamilton - March 31, 2019

Kevlen had the best personality. He loved sharing his gift with the world and brightened so many lives with his talents. I remember a time in Tulsa OK when we were working a comic con together... He asked me to pose for a picture he was doing of the Incredible Hulk. No it wasn’t a body pose but he wanted me to look menacing with a grin Hahahaha. Those were good times. Love ya brother. We will all miss you and your kind soul.

~ Shaun Phipps - March 31, 2019

This memory was in high school. We use to have a rap group and This guy Who I was in a group introduce me to him he spit about 32 bars of fire and from then on nothing but respect.
Sleep easy my brother.

~ Ray Walker - March 31, 2019

I truly hate seeing this. I never had the opportunity to meet Kevlen in person, but did talk with him through text. My son, Tyler, met him at a conference last fall. He adored Kevlen and was going to do an article/interview on Kevlen before he got sick. Fortunately, for us, we have several drawings that Kevlen did. I just hung the drawing that Tyler had him do for me on my bedroom wall. Oh how I wish I had the chance to meet him in person. Our sympathies and thoughts are with all of you. God be with you, as well.

~ Camilla and Tyler Hardin - March 30, 2019

My experience with Kevlen goes beyond any single memory. Kevlen inspired a new way of life every time I got a chance to be with him. His infectious laugh, his tranquil ease, his care and kindness that he gave each person as he talked to them... The list goes on and on. Everyone who has met Kevlen has said “I want to be more like him.” Kevlen was the Good that this world needs.

~ Andrew Preston - March 30, 2019

I am utterly heartbroken to hear this news. Although we were not friends, you were such an incredible inspiration to me, from afar. My love and heart goes out to your family, and our community of beautiful souls, like you, who spread love and kindness through our art.

~ Kacey Knie - March 30, 2019

To the family: May you find comfort in knowing that we are holding you in our hearts today. We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful loved one. We will continue to uplift the family in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!

~ Silas & Arlene Birch - March 30, 2019

Thank you for being a mentor, collaborator, and friend. Your legacy is forever. I love you brother.

~ Jecorey Arthur - March 30, 2019

Kevlen was such a kind and talented man. I really respected him as an artist and as a friend in the creative community. We met several years ago at a comic convention where my husband and I commissioned him for an art piece that we still cherish to this day. I will keep Kevlen close in my memories where I will remember his bright smile and all the color he brought to the world around him with his beautiful and unique art. I will miss him dearly, but I am so thankful to have met him. Rest easy, my friend.

~ Adrienne Zibart - March 30, 2019

To the Family of Kevlen Goodner. Our prayers are with you at this time. God is still on the throne and He will take care of you. Continue to keep the faith and remember that Weeping may endure for the night, but Joy comes in the morning. May God Bless All of You.

~ Collette Daniels - March 30, 2019

Kevlin was one if not the most influential person to inspire my son Joseph Kelley Jr., who is an artist, at his very first comic con. He kept asking to leave his booth to go sit with Kevlin "the Illest-strator" Goodner. Finally I walked down to see what was going on. Kevlin had drawn my son as a superhero and it was such a moving experience for both my son and myself. I cherish that piece of artwork as much or more than anything else in my collection and always will. He had a gentle way with people making everyone comfortable to be themselves and have fun, all while giving knowledge and wisdom. Kevlin was, and thanks to the art he left behind is, a TRUE ORIGINAL.

~ Joseph Kelley - March 30, 2019

My world will never be the same... And I am not alone. Kevlen and I met when we were both in the 8th grade attending TJ Middle School. We became great friends very quickly. Even then Kevlen was a rising star. His dance and hip hop capabilities were beginning to flourish. His talents have always brought people to him. For as long as I’ve known Kevlen he has reached his hand down to pull others up. When he could have placed himself above others, he never did. As everyone knows, Kevlen was a phenomenal artist. He was so unbelievably talented and he made it look so easy. But what truly always amazed me was his ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world to him. And if you were standing there in front of him, in that moment, you were. But without a doubt, the most beloved to him, were his children. We sat at a coffee shop about several months ago, he was sketching on a new piece. While he sketched, he spoke about his kids. There was such pride and love in his words. Kevlen’s art work will carry on his story. But it’s Kevlen’s 3 beautiful children that will carry on his soul. I was blessed to have been a small part in his big world. For that, I will always be grateful.

~ Angie Summers - March 29, 2019

I am speechless. He was so quiet.
His mom such a beautiful lady. My condolences Sister Joyce.
Regina Wilson.

~ Regina Tutt - March 29, 2019

I remember him when he lived on Cooper Chapel Rd and I lived on Maple Rd and he would tease me about my braces. Rest in peace my friend!!

~ Ericka Gaines Walker - March 29, 2019

I met Kevlen first at a comic convention. He and I had some great conversations about nerd culture and pop art. He inspired me to pick up my pencils and pens again after I had set them aside and I will always be indebted to him for reinspiring me to make art.

I did not know him long, but he is a testament that we all can touch and influence others in profound ways by our actions, thoughts and words. He will be missed.

~ Kathy Cail - March 29, 2019

Our deepest condolences to the family. Kevlen was a kind, open spirit.

~ Angela Robards - March 29, 2019

I met Kevlen about a year ago at Preston Arts Center. I took a couple of classes from him aand had many chances just to talk with him. He was always gracious and inspiring, and he gave the best hugs. I learned a great deal from him. He will always be one of my most important mentors. The world lost a wonderful man, and I have lost a friend. My condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing Kevlen with the rest of us.

~ Lynn Graham - March 29, 2019

If ever there was a son, who's loving mother was very proud of him, it was Kevlen. Joyce lite up with a mother's glow, when she shared events that showcased his many talents. The hearts and prayers of your friends, THE SWANS are with you and your loving family. Stay Blessed.

~ T. WILSON-MONTGOMERY - March 29, 2019

We first met Kevlen at a Comic Book Convention. Josie was impressed by his art work and he even did a portrait of Josie as Doctor Who, he made me one of Wonder Woman. We shall treasure that forever. We shall mostly treasure his genuine attitude towards life, how he made an impression on everyone he met and talked to, how he was always there to leave a footprint upon the children he met. He was such a fantastic person, he had a soul of true gold. He talked to my daughter for almost an hour one time on art and the equipment he uses and got her interested in digital art. She now has a I Pad and several other things and has been learning the basics (she is pretty good too! ). I am ever grateful for every time you seen him he would welcome you with a warm smile a handshake and an aura that was of an angel. I always enjoyed talking to him about everything. He was there for me when I lost my brother. He reached out to me and told me " Sometimes people have to leave this Earth, but they are never that far away, they are always in your heart. They are always a part of you. They will always watch over you. " He offered to draw a portrait of him and I was going to have him do it but unfortunate events took place. I would like to think that they are meeting now. Thank you for being there, a friend, a genuine human being and one of the best artists I have ever met. I will always remember you , a foot print on my soul. My love is with his family and friends and fans.

~ Pauline Soden And Josie Evans - March 29, 2019