Hurley C. Goodall

Hurley C. Goodall

Hurley C. Goodall never encountered a challenge or obstacle he didn't feel he could overcome.

The life-time Muncie resident and retired Indiana state legislator died at his home May 12 at the age of 93, leaving behind a rich legacy of community service and accomplishments that would make it difficult to chronicle the history of the city without mentioning his name.

Goodall blazed trails in numerous areas, including becoming one of Muncie's first Black firefighters in 1958, the first to be elected to the city school board in 1970, and later beginning a seven-term stint in the Indiana General Assembly that ran from 1978 to 1992.

He liked to joke that he retired from public office "to drop out of sight and mind," however his commitment to service and impact on a community he truly loved never waned.

Whether he was mentoring young men and women following in his footsteps, supporting potential leaders of tomorrow through a scholarship program he and he wife, Fredine, established to help students continue their education at Ivy Tech Community College tuition-free or simply taking time to lend an encouraging word to anyone who would listen, he remained devoted to doing whatever he could to make his hometown a better place to live.

Born on May 23, 1927, Goodall was a 1945 graduate of Muncie Central and spent two years in the U.S. Army before returning home to marry his high school sweetheart, who he considered a "blessing from God" and huge contributor to his success.

"We were a perfect match and we loved each other very much," Goodall, who authorized or co-authored three books, wrote in 2012.

A voluminous list of local, state and national awards and honors accumulated over his lifetime include an honorary doctorate degree bestowed by Ball State University, a stint as a visiting scholar with the Center for Middletown Studies, as well as a statue erected and dedicated in Fireman's Park on his 92nd birthday in 2019.

Among his proudest achievements in the legislature was his involvement in establishing the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, a group that enabled Black legislators to become major players at the Statehouse and to chair important committees that have real power in the legislative process.

Hurley was preceded in death by his parents, Hurley, Sr., and Dorene; wife Fredine; brothers Robert and Frederick; sister Nolene; son Hurley III, and granddaughter Nataki.

Survivors include son Frederick; nephew Robert Olden; grandchildren Ashaki, Angela, Kimberly, Hurley IV, Dondra, Sondra and Carrie; 11 great-grandchildren; nephew and niece Julius and Belinda Anderson, and a host other family and friends who affectionately refer to "Uncle Hurley." A special thanks, too, to home health care aide Annette Balfour.

Due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, a private burial is planned. A memorial service open to the public will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hurley and Fredine Goodall Scholarship Fund.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Faulkner Mortuary.