Russel Eldred Goodwin 

1918-2016

Russel Eldred Goodwin, of Louisville, died peacefully on Dec. 21, 2016. He was proud to be in his 99th year. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Eileen Quilligan Goodwin, his son, James Goodwin, and his daughter-in-law, Linda R. Goodwin. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret (Robert) Harrison of Durham, North Carolina and son, Dr. Russel (Margo) Goodwin of Danville, Kentucky, 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

“Red” was born Oct. 28, 1918, in Canton, Ohio. He grew up with his grandparents and aunt and uncle, and as a teenager worked at a doughnut shop, developing a lifelong affection. He played football and graduated from McKinley High School and Kent University, and went to work as a high school shop teacher.

Until the end, he was a woodworker and left his family many mementos of his craft. He served as a Lieutenant, Junior Grade, in the United States Navy during World War II.

He was away searching for submarines in the Atlantic on the USS Thomas (DE-102) when his first child was born. After the war, he returned to the beach many times, but never to boats.

Russ brought his family to Louisville to start Boone Box Company and helped many who worked there. With a strong belief in the power of prayer, he was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, and was a regular at Trinity and UL football games.

After growing up without his parents, Russ and Eileen lived a life full of family.

Gramps took his entire family to the beach every year. He embraced the generous spirit of Christmas year round, and when the time came, he decorated enthusiastically and loaded his sleigh full. He cooked hotcakes, sausages and eggs for both family and friends.

He hosted Derby parties, fixed neighbors’ sinks and whistled while he worked. He sang in school, to his children and in the choir into his 90s. Not for a lack of trying, he never broke par at Hurstbourne Country Club.

A mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Danville, with celebrant Father A. Carter.

Family will receive friends from 10 a.m., Wednesday until the service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Louisville Kentucky at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Community Arts Center, 401 W. Main St., Danville, Kentucky.

An online guestbook available at www.stithfuneralhome.net