William “Bill” Goodman, 66, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield.
He was born April 30, 1951, in St. Louis, son of Thomas and Wanda June Vandeventer Goodman.
He grew up in the Willow Springs area and graduated from Willow High School in 1969.
He worked at Southwest Missouri State University as a store keeper, retiring after 20-plus years. During his time there he received his bachelor of science degree. He was later a bus driver for the Nixa School District.
He loved model trains, spending hours setting them up and keeping them going. He was a black smith, working at Silver Dollar City for a short time demonstrating and instructing the art. He also worked with Bass Pro as a muzzleloading instructor and in an advisory capacity. He was also a published author, co-writing “How to Build An Atmospheric Forge & Heat Treat Oven.” He was currently working on his second book.
He attended and was a longtime member of the Union Hill Church of Christ in Nixa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lisa; and a brother. Matthew.
Survivors include a son, Alex Goodman; a sister, Terry Mays of Willow Springs; a brother, David Goodman of Bucyrus; and many nieces, nephew and friends.
Memorial services are 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Union Hill Church of Christ in Nixa with Minister Steve Martin officiating. Cremation was under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
