Bill Goodwin

Thomas William "Bill" Goodwin, 88, Lawrence, passed away June 20, 2012 in Overland Park, KS.  He was born June 13, 1924 in Baxter Springs, KS, the son of Thomas Jefferson and Clara Anne (Pollock) Goodwin.

He graduated from Baxter Springs High School.  After receiving a B.S. degree from Kansas State Teachers College-Pittsburg, Bill began his career in education as a math and science teacher at Cherokee High School. He completed post-graduate work at the University of Arkansas and the University of Kansas, receiving a M.A. degree from Kansas State Teachers College-Pittsburg in 1954.  Other positions he held included:  Principal, Prescott High School; Superintendent, West Mineral High School; Director of Statistical Services, Kansas State Dept. of Education; Asst. Supt. of Business & Data Processing, Shawnee Mission School District; Deputy Commissioner, Kansas State Dept. of Education; and Dean of Finance, Hutchinson Community College.  After retiring as an administrator, he and Lee established General Management Associates, specializing in developing administrative software for school districts.

Bill was active in the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence for many years.  He also was the business manager for the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra for several years.  

Bill married the love of his life Alleela "Lee" Louise Myers on February 4, 1949 in Pittsburg, KS.   They were inseparable until her death on March 11, 1998.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  Surviving are three sons: Mike (Nancy) Goodwin, Topeka; Tom (Missy) Goodwin, Prairie Village; and Harlie (Wendi) Goodwin of Lahaina, HI:  six grandchildren: Chris (Tanya) Goodwin, Olathe; Jason (Carolyn) Goodwin, Lenexa; Adrienne (Kim) Wilson-Goodwin, Portland, OR; Stefanie (Tyler) Goodwin-Ritter, Chicago, IL; Tyler & Hannah Goodwin; Lahaina, HI, and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence.  Family will greet friends beginning at 1 p.m.  Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In remembrance of his lifelong commitment to education and his delight in "learning something new every day" memorial contributions may be given to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

20 Condolences

  1. Barbara and David Haigh on June 20, 2012 at 10:42 pm

    We are saddened by the loss of such a fine man. We always enjoyed visiting with Uncle Bill and thought highly of him.
    Love to all of you.
    Barbara and David Haigh
    Natchez,MS



  2. Aletha douglas on June 21, 2012 at 8:31 am

    So sorry Tom to hear about your father. If he was any thing like you, I am sure he was a very nice and good man. The JCCC staff sends their sympathy.

    Aletha Douglas
    Jccc Police Dept.



  3. Keith Pembleton on June 21, 2012 at 10:19 am

    Tom,
    Sorry to hear about your father. It is always hard to loose a parent. My condolence to you and your family.
    Keith



  4. Kathy & Dick Stine on June 21, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    Tom, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad has a very strong obituary of a life well lived.

    Dick & Kathy Stine (JCCC & Prairie Baptist)



  5. Jeanne Walsh on June 21, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    tom, I am saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Know that I will say a prayer for you and your family for the sadness and pain to be eased. Your friend, Jeanne Walsh,JCCC Nursing Director



  6. Debbie Eisenhower on June 21, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    Tom, May your BEST memories of time spent with your father prevail and bring you comfort during this difficult time.



  7. Dara Ramaglia on June 21, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    Tom,
    I am sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Dara Ramaglia, Campus Services & JCCC Housekeeping Services



  8. John Rothwell on June 21, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Tom, I was sorry to hear of your father’s death. I am certain that is is in the arms of God. His life reads like it was very complete and successful. Be reasured by his full life and his well deserved reward for a full life. If I can be of service, please don’t hesitate to ask.



  9. John Winter on June 21, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    It is always a major passage in a man’s life when his father dies. My heart goes out to you. May our Great Creator provide you His comfort and peace.



  10. Faye Martin on June 22, 2012 at 1:23 am

    Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.



  11. J.L. Cleland on June 22, 2012 at 7:02 am

    Bill was a tremendous influence in my life. His passing saddens me greatly. My sincere condolences to Mike and the rest of Bill’s family.



  12. Eva Scott Ponessa on June 22, 2012 at 10:23 am

    I graduated from Cherokee High School in 1952. I didn’t have any classes with Bill but he was our Sunday School teacher at the Methodist Church. I have many fond memories of him and Lee such as providing breakfast for us after a sunrise Easter service. They were a very positive influence on my life. I also enjoyed Michael as a little guy. Your father was a wonderful man and you can be very proud of his accimplishments. Eva



  13. Marie and Vern McCowan on June 22, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    I never met finer people than Bill and Lee. They will always be part of my fondest memories. God bless all of you family and friends who mourn their loss.



  14. Kenneth Tewell, Bonner Springs on June 22, 2012 at 4:08 pm

    I was fortunate to work with Bill as superintendent of schools here and he as business manager for the state of Kansas. I always appreciate his sincerely interest in always working for the good of the students of our state. Bill was an excellent school educator.



  15. Sheri Van Auken on June 23, 2012 at 4:49 pm

    I was so sorry to hear about Bill. I only knew him as a resident here at Prairie Commons Apartments, but I think of him often as I drive the little grey Aveo that was his last automobile. There was always something about this car that so suited his personality. Anyway, it reminds me of him often.
    We didn’t have much time at Prairie Commons to get to know Bill, but he and I had some interesting conversations in the office, and he impressed me as an intelligent,no-nonsense kind of guy. We enjoyed knowing Bill and missed him when he had to move. I am thinking of you in your loss.



  16. Pat and Jeff Hicks on June 24, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Even though we only got to see Uncle Bill and Aunt Lee at reunions we always so enjoyed visiting with them we are truly sorry to hear of his passing and are so grateful for the memories we have of them etched in our hearts. may God bless you all at this time and may you find some comfort in knowing they are once again together.



  17. Sandy Neal on June 24, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    My dad, Ray Bombardier, lived at Emeritus at Overland Park with Bill. I am sorry for your loss, but as we know he is in a much better place now. His memory will live in your heart forever.



  18. Diane Reid on June 26, 2012 at 1:53 am

    I was so saddened & will keep you in my prayers. I worked with Bill for many years as Board President then Manager of the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra. Bill was the kindest and most intelligent co-worker I have ever had the opportunity to partner with. He was also a great friend at 1st United Methodist Church where my husband was the Music Minister.



  19. Marlin and Kaye on June 27, 2012 at 4:43 pm

    We were so sorry to learn of Uncle Bill’s passing. He was such a sweet, fine man who will be greatly missed.



  20. Virgil Brady on November 6, 2012 at 5:53 am

    Dear Mike, Tom & Harlie; Last Sunday at church they had a service of rememberance for all who died the past year. I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s death. I was in Cal. in June when he died and did not get the notice. Your Dad and Mother meant a lot to me. It was a honor being part of your mother’s memorial service Your Dad”s leadership in the church and his sensativity to me, greatly enhanced my ministry and personal life. He will always be in my memories of the people who made a signficant contributon to me. Sorry I was not in town and could not attend the memorial service.
    Virgil Brady



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