Richard Goodrich

Richard Lee (Dick) Goodrich, of Arthur, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 with his family at his side.

Dick was born September 3, 1925 in Lovington. He married Vivian Meisener on October 11, 1946 in Rosedale Church in rural Arthur.

Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 15, 2010 at Arthur United Methodist Church. The funeral was at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2010 at the Arthur United Methodist Church. Burial with military rites was in Arthur Cemetery. The Edwards Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Dick went “home” to see his mother, Opal (Leavitt) Goodrich; Father, Riley Goodrich; step-mother Lois (Harrison) Goodrich; sister Mary Evelyn Winings; brothers James (Bud) Goodrich and Don Leavitt (nee Goodrich); son Merle Goodrich and grandson Randy McKibben, all of who preceded him in death.

Dick leaves his beloved wife of 64 years, Vivian (Meisener) Goodrich, daughters, Evelyn Deverell and her husband John of Harristown, Linda Henkel and her husband Ralf of Warrensburg, and sons, Rodney Goodrich and his wife Karen of Sullivan, Indiana, and Steven Goodrich of Springfield. Dick also leaves his half-brother, Warren Goodrich, Lintner and half-sister, Katherine Gooprider of Iowa. He leaves nine grandchildren. Christopher Henkel and his wife Alissa of Decatur, Tanya Haubner and her husband Brian of Decatur, Sheryl McKibben of Bement, Eric McKibben and his wife Becky Frankenfeld of Mukwonago Wisconsin, Martin Goodrich and his wife Cassandra of Fruitland Park, Florida, Luke Goodrich of Boulder, Colorado, Sarah Goodrich of Pekin, Becky Burns and her husband John of Peoria, John Goodrich and his wife Carrie of Cincinnati, Ohio and granddaughter-in-law Angela McKibben Kinnett and her husband Leland of Mooresville, Indiana.

He leaves great grandchildren, Zach and Erika McKibben of Mooresville, Indiana, Aidan Lee of Decatur, Gabriella and Cordelia Henkel of Decatur, Logan McKibben of Bement, Jackson Burns of Peoria, Chloe and Hayden Goodrich of Fruitland Park, Florida. Dick also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and four step great-grandchildren to cherish his memory.

Dick was a Navy veteran of World War II, and served in the South Pacific. He enlisted at the age of 17 in order to serve his country. Dick started his mechanic career at Aschermann Ford, and later owned and operated Goodrich Service in Arthur for many years, first for Sinclair Oil, then Mobile and finally Sunoco at three different locations. After his “retirement,” Dick worked at Farm & Fleet, Phillips 66 and, in the last few years, had the pleasure of working with, and for, many wonderful Amish families. Dick was a volunteer fireman, and fire chief in Arthur from 1960 to 1972. He belonged to the American Legion, was Legion Commander and served on the village board. In his younger years, he coached American Legion baseball. He loved to fish and caught almost as many as Vivian! Dick was an avid bowler and loved working with wood. He made many beautiful things we will all cherish. He was a devoted husband and loving and supportive father and grandfather. He will be missed by family, friends and the entire community.

Memorials were made to Lincolnland Hospice, Arthur United Methodist Church or the Amish Special Education School fund.