Robert Harold Goodin

Robert H. Goodin was born to Ora L. & Dorothy Mae (Speak) Goodin on January 28, 1935 in Springfield, MO, and went home to be with Jesus on December 6, 2025.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Nancy Abramovitz, and by his wife of 54 years, Dixie (Gearing).

Bob is survived by his second wife, Gayle Reed of Sun City West, AZ; his brother, Dr. L. Wayne Goodin (Cheryl) of Republic, MO; his brother-in-law, Alan Abramovitz of Kansas City, MO; his daughters, Janet Buchanan (Tony) and Karen Goodin of Springfield, MO, Dr. Becky Morrison (Bart) of Houston, TX and Kim Hamilton (Phil) of Joplin, MO. In addition, Bob is survived by his grandchildren–Kellie Hicks, Andrew Buchanan, Amanda Bass, Jacob Hamilton, Matthew Hamilton, Christopher Morrison, and Hayley Hampton; his great-grandchildren–Kaitlynn Hall, Nicholas Buchanan, Zachary Buchanan, Colby Buchanan, Evelyn Bass, Levi Bass, Jaxson Hamilton, Sawyer Hamilton and Henry Hampton; and one precious great-great-granddaughter, Paislee Hall. Bob is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Bob was raised on Springfield's tough west side. He loved softball, and College Street Baptist Church had the best team at the time. In order to play on the team, he had to attend church twice each month. At one of those church services, a young teen-aged Bob made his way down from the balcony to the front of the church to make Jesus the Lord of his life. This decision changed him forever. He played a lot more softball, even playing on his high school team which was undefeated for four years! Bob and another player were scouted by the Phillies, but Bob had his heart set on being an architect.

Bob graduated from Springfield Senior High School in 1953 and, then, from the School of Architecture at Kansas State in 1958. He was active in his fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, and maintained many fraternity friendships for life.

After graduation from college, Bob and Dixie returned to Springfield. Bob worked for Mr. Casey for a couple of years, and then cofounded Warren & Goodin, Architects & Engineers. Bob worked tirelessly to have enough work to keep his office humming. He did work in Minnesota, Colorado, New Mexico and other places so his employees would not face layoffs. Robert H. Goodin, AIA was a title he wore with pride.

When he retired from architecture, Bob went into banking. He was a whiz with numbers and people! Finally retiring for good, Bob and Dixie moved to Sun City West, AZ, where they enjoyed hiking, biking and camping in their Hilton on wheels.

After Dixie passed, Bob was single for a time, then he married Gayle Reed–the widow of a neighbor he admired for his ability to share the gospel.

Throughout his life, Bob was active in his church, serving in many leadership roles. His favorite role was that of teacher. He always stressed the application of scripture to everyday life.

Bob never met a stranger, was a gracious host and loved giving people a leg up in achieving their aspirations. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, 525 South Ave, Springfield, MO at 2:00 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Visitation will be at 1:00. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Foundation.