John R. Goodman Sr., 60, of La Porte, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
John was born in La Porte, IN, on August 9, 1956 to Charles and Jettie (Clanton) Goodman.
John is survived by his loving wife Sandy (Coffman), who he married on November 26, 1975. They recently celebrated 41 years of marriage. Also surviving are his mother, Jettie Goodman; four beloved children: John (Linda) Goodman, Jr. of La Porte, Nicholas (Brandy) Goodman of Mill Creek, Kayla (Kyle) Prow of Westville, and Jessica (Matt) Schutz of La Porte; seven grandchildren: Ethan, Gavin, and Grayson Goodman, Adler Schutz, Nory, Lincoln, and Sullivan Prow; brother, Eric Goodman of La Porte; sister, Anita Jackowicz of Hudson Lake; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Goodman; sister, Diane Volk; and brother, Charles Goodman.
John worked very hard from an early age to provide for his family. He worked at Parco Foods in Michigan City for over 20 years. He also worked at Federal Mogul in South Bend for many years. He was an incredibly humble and loving man who was willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure his family was taken care of.
John enjoyed the simple things in life. He liked fishing with his family and relaxing on the bank of the river. He was fond of taking float trips and showing everyone where the best spots were to catch a big fish. He loved sitting around a fire with his family and just being together. John always seemed to have a project that he was tinkering on. He could fix almost anything. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone. If you asked him how to do something, chances are he would show up at your house to help in any way needed. John was always up for a game of Yahtzee, and he once had a high score of 686. (He proudly kept that score card.) John also enjoyed playing harmless pranks that have led to many great stories. Papa could always be counted on to have a sucker or twelve in his pocket to hand out to the grandkids. More than anything, John loved spending time with his precious family and was so proud of all of his children. He adored the sound of grandkids running through the house and listening to their giggles while playing with them.
Most important of all, John Loved Jesus and God’s love was displayed through the kindness and affection that he showed to those around him throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Jeff Hines officiating.
A time of visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, March 2, 2017 and also from 10 AM until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family to help with medical costs, c/o Sandy Goodman, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350.