Thomas Goodwin Obituary

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.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

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