- Date Of Birth: January 4, 1926
- Date Of Death: March 13, 2006
- State: Indiana
After a long courageous battle, Clyde D. Goodrich, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away in his home with his family on Monday morning, March 13th, 2006. His smile stayed with him until the end.
Surviving are; his beloved wife, Ethel L. (Kehoe) Goodrich; son, John C. (Deborah J.) Goodrich, and daughter, Jody Praklet. Son, James LeRoy Goodrich predeceased his father. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren John (Rhonda) C. Goodrich, Jr., Robert (Tammy) W. Goodrich, Trisha Lynn (Andy) MacDonald, Marci Marie Praklet, David A. Praklet II., and Tracy Lynn (Bryan) Collmer. Clyde had nine (9) great-grandchildren whom he loved very dearly also, those being Jessica, Allyson and Cole Goodrich, Taylor and Dustin Lamar, Madison Goodrich, Zachary Praklet Bell, and Seth and Riley Collmer. Clyde lived for God and his family.
Born on January 4th, 1926 in Whitley County, Indiana, the 7th of 8 children of the deceased, Ruth (Ramsey) and LeRoy Price Goodrich. Clyde is survived by a sister, Zovelda Andris of Normal, IL, and two brothers, Kenneth (Leola) Goodrich of Grants Pass, Oregon, and Gerald Goodrich of Drummond Island, Michigan. Preceding him in death were Orville Goodrich, Fay Goodrich, Harold Goodrich, and Hazel Slater. He was loved, admired and respected by his siblings, nieces and nephews and will be missed by all.
As farmers his family spent much time at church and with music. Clyde had wonderful memories of singing in a quartet with sister, Hazel and brothers Gerald and Harold on the radio show, Morris B. Saks Amateur Hour, getting lots of coaching from Zovelda.
Loyal to God, his country, family and friends, Clyde was a loving family man of integrity, kindness, strong faith, and intelligence. He was always willing to help however he could.
Graduating from Washington Center High School, Whitley County in 1944, and after working the farm for a year, he went to serve his country in the Army. His mother had 6 sons serving simultaneously. At the time it was customary to hang a banner in the front window of your home with a star representing any family member serving the U.S. Military. Their flag had to be custom made by Ruth Goodrich with 6 stars and is presently on display in the Whitley County Museum. Clyde served in WWII and shared many stories about being chauffeur to a General and getting to escort the Andrew Sisters around.
On February 4, 1949 Clyde married the love of his life, Ethel whom he has been faithfully and happily married for 57 years. Spending most of his married life in South Bend, he retired after thirty (30) years, from Coffield Supply Corp. in 1991. Since retirement they have spent winters in Florida, expanding their friendships south to more dear ones who will miss him.
Besides church and family, Clyde spent time playing bridge, singing in the Westminster Presbyterian Church choir, tinkering in his garage, and gardening. Being quite clever, it was known that if Clyde couldn’t fix it, it couldn’t be fixed. Many own “Uncle Sams” built by him. He was a member of the American Legion and Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Clyde D. Goodrich had a good, happy, meaningful life touching so many others and though his presence will be missed terribly, he will live on within all who knew this wonderful man.
