Don Andy Goodson

A spirited soul who appreciated the simple moments spent with his family and friends, Don Andy Goodson, will be dearly missed. His life was one filled with hard work and good times. He was a loving husband, a caring father, a cherished grandfather and a friend to so many. We are sad that we are forced to say goodbye.

It was the year of 1938, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt watched carefully as many actions abroad, especially involving Germany, began to ramp up conflict. The United States was also in a recession causing the unemployment rate to rise substantially to 19%; however, there was plenty to celebrate as well. The first service seeing eye dog was used, and Superman made his heroic appearance in a comic book to the delight of many children.

Howard Hughes also broke the Round the World record with a flight that lasted a mere 3 days and 19 hours, and the racing horse proudly named Seabiscuit beat the 1-4 favorite War Admiral in what was promoted as the Match of the Century. A great deal of excitement was created with Orson Wells radio adaptation of War of the Worlds when people panicked thinking the plot was breaking news rather than fiction. Closer to home, on the Goodson family farm in Owensville, Indiana, much excitement was also experienced just days before Christmas, as James A. and Esther M. (Mounts) Goodson welcomed their first precious child into the world. On December 20th, Don Andrew Andy was welcomed into the family.

Soon after his birth, his parents decided to move to Anderson, Indiana where his dad found a job. Andy was joined by his little brother Michael making their family complete seven years later. Andy was a typical boy growing up - always up for an adventure. Summertime was the best because that is when he and his family would head down to spend time on the family farm.

Andy earned good grades throughout his time in school. He graduated from Anderson High School with the class of 1957. Upon graduating, he attended Purdue University with aviation as his main focus. After two years, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Once he fulfilled his duties to the service, he decided to head back to school and enrolled at the International Business College in Fort Wayne where he earned his associates degree.

While attending school, Andy worked at General Telephone in Fort Wayne. It was there that he met Marjorie S. Lehman. As they courted, Andy lived at a local funeral home and worked for the funeral homes ambulance service. Andy and Margie married on May 7, 1966, at the First Missionary Church in Fort Wayne.

The newlyweds moved to Terra Haute where Andy took a job with Columbia Records doing computer programming. Using the experience he gained in this job, he moved onto a job at Nekoosa Edwards Paper Company in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This move was the beginning of a wonderful 17 years in Wisconsin where their family expanded with the births of their daughter, Sarah and their son, James. Andy took a different job with Arcadia School Supply in 1985 - relocating the family back to Indiana in Columbia City. He stayed in this position a little over ten years before switching to Dimension Ford. In 2007 he retired as a Commercial Account Manager.

Andy was a hard worker, that loved to spend time with his family and friends. The Goodsons looked forward to camping trips where they would spend time boating and waterskiing. As father and son, Andy and James spent many memorable hours on the golf course together. Shortly after they began golfing, James scored an eagle and suddenly Andy decided he was going to take the game more serious and would become quite the competitor on the course. A proud father, Andy and Margie visited Sarah many times while she was stationed in Italy and while serving in the United States Army. Andy also loved to travel in his truck as he and Margie traveled to the west coast as well making trips east to visit Niagara Falls and heading south to Florida and north to Wisconsin to visit friends. The outdoors were of interest to Andy too, as he enjoyed both hunting and fishing with family and friends over the years.

Andy was always a social person, so he would savor the moments when he was able to attend or host neighborhood parties and barbecues, sit by a bonfire, or relax in the atmosphere he created within his mancave in the garage. Everyone was always welcome. He was a spirited football fan and loved the Green Bay Packers. If there was music, Andy would never shy away from the dance floor and might even impress Margie with his talented jitterbug! No matter the occasion, Andy loved spending time with his friends and family and was always ready to celebrate good times with them.

He gave generously of his time to others. With a caring heart, he was a committed Big Brother. He had been a board member and a past president of Big Brother/Big Sisters in Wood County, Wisconsin. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 82 in Fort Wayne and the Columbia City VFW. He was a member of theColumbia City Methodist Church

As time progressed, Andy and Margie joyfully celebrated the gift of grandchildren. Drew and Leo were a true blessing to Andy. He and Margie celebrated over 50 years of marriage in his life; a true inspiration of love for all of us.

Sadly, Andy passed away at 2:34 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at his home in Columbia City. He was 78 years old. We will forever hold the memories we shared close to our hearts, and we will never forget Andys influence on our lives.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 50 years, Margie Goodson; daughter, Sarah Goodson, of Fort Wayne; son, James Goodson, of South Bend; grandchildren, Drew Goodson and Leo Goodson; and brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Margo Goodson, of Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Esther Goodson.

Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2017 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor David Arnold officiating. Military honors will be rendered byWhitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.