Steven Don Goodman, 79 passed away Wednesday, October 12, at Maple Manner in Carthage MO, due to complications of dementia and heart disease. Steve was born to Earl and Eva Plummer Goodman on June 27, 1944 in Berwyn, Illinois, just outside Chicago. His family moved to Independence, Kansas for a period of time and then to Carthage in 50’s where he graduated from Carthage High School in 1962.
Steve’s first job was with Carthage Creamery. Soon after graduation, he married and embarked on a woodworking trade traveling to work sites with his wife, a young son and a 24 ft trailer hooked to the back of a 63 Plymouth for Goodman Church Builders. This continued for several years until he returned to Carthage and worked for American Fixture until opening his cabinet shop located behind Galbraith Paint in 1968.
In the early 70’s, he built a shop in its current location on Oak Street. Working with his brother Mark, they created M&S Auto in the late 70’s. Steve shared many activities with his brothers Robert and Mark where they had much success in tennis and volleyball. Steve and Robert were quite successful in the over 35 doubles and all three brothers enjoyed playing volleyball together.
Steve would say anything can be fixed, but what you might consider a fifteen-minute fix would turn into an all-day conundrum. When it came to constructing anything, it had to be perfect whether it was an automobile, oak cabinets or one-of-a kind piece of furniture. Steve had a handful of Chrysler cars over the years including a 42 Dodge pick-up, 65 Satellite, 68 Roadrunner, 67 GTX and 69 GTX all 4-speed equipped. The 69 GTX was his last finished project and is still in the family today. Steve was not afraid to drive them and could overwhelm you when going through the gears. He had an interest in racing at an early age in the 50’s when the family dirt raced #88 on the oval in Coffeyville, Kansas. He enjoyed all forms of racing including drag, dirt and asphalt. He may have gotten a few tickets and lost his license for a time.
Steve is survived by his ex-wife Jeanne, mother to sons Steve and John, his current loving partner Betty, mother to Rick and Tina, brothers Robert (Connie) and Mark (Dixie) of Carthage, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 3 nieces, 1 nephew and many cousins in the area.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nieces Amy Goodman and Shari Goodman.
The Grinch is gone.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, October 19. 2023, at the Knell Mortuary. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association in care of the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
