Richard Goodell

1940 - 2023

Richard Goodell
Richard "Dick" Darwin Goodell, 82, of Midland, passed away into Heaven, Sunday morning, January 8, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland. He was born December 28, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio son of the late Darwin and Marie (Friedle) Goodell.
Dick was raised in Larkin Township and moved to Mills in 1958. He attended and graduated from Midland High School in 1959. On June 14, 1968, Dick married the former Catherine Brewer at Hope Lutheran Church in Rhodes. She preceded him in death in 2014. He proudly served his country for six years in the Michigan National Guard. Dick was employed at Sonoco Fibre Drum, Midland Holding as a Quality Control Inspector for over 34 years until his retirement in 1995. He was also union president of Local 7863.
Dick was a founding member of the Mills Township Volunteer Fire Department joining in 1971 and was appointed Fire Chief in 1979 until retiring from his post in 2001. During his time with the department Dick was part of the Midland County Ambulance Board for over 30 years, a Charter Member of the Midland County Fire/Arson Team and past president of the Midland County Fire Association. He also encouraged the appointment of the first female firefighter in Midland County on the Mills Township Fire Department in 1979.
Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting and being a member of the fire department. He always thought the best place in Michigan was anywhere North of Midland on a lake, stream, river or beach fishing. He also had a passion for taking care of others and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and his dog Odie.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Ryan (Polly Beeler) Sweet of Independence, MO, Robin (Dan) Brown of Midland, and Candy (Rudy Rezler) Goodell of Midland; daughter-in-law Kim Sweet; grandchildren, Jessica (Timothy) Rickett, Robby Hartsell, Bill (Ashley) Merrill, Steve (Jordan) Merrill, and Shawn Acklin; great grandchildren, Jasmine Rickett, Timothy Rickett, Billy Merrill, Kennedy Merrill, Carson Merrill, and Jessie Mayle. In addition to his parents and wife Dick was preceded in death by his son Rodney Sweet in 2016 and sister Judy McGillen in 1997.
His family would like to thank the entire staff at MyMichigan Medical Center for their wonderful care and support
A service to celebrates Dick's life will be held 12 noon Saturday, January 14, 2023, from the Larkin Township Hall 3022 N. Jefferson Road, with Chaplain Roger Stauffer officiating. His family will receive friends at the hall from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Dick's family in care of his daughter Candy Goodell. All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Goodell family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made through our website at www.wswfh.com.