Robert G. “Bob” Goodfellow, , age 101, passed away 17 November 2018 at the Eaglewood Care Center. Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 80 years, Dorothy Jane (Hoagland), his parents Emeline (King) and Lemuel Goodfellow, and his brother Harold. He is survived by his son Marshall Goodfellow (Pamela), Centerville, Ohio, daughters Rita (Jim) Fitzsimmons, Summerville, SC, and Carol (Richard) Dillon, Deland, FL; grandchildren Amy Goodfellow Herington, Elizabeth Goodfellow (Duce Vines), Christin Fitzsimmons, Jimmy Fitzsimmons, Ryan Dillon (Leslie), and 7 great grandchildren: Ashley and Tyler Herington, Skylar and Griffin Vines, Mellany and Jacob Dillon, Emalyn Brown, and sister Annabelle Holmes of Springfield Ohio along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Robert was born in Bethel Township Clark County Ohio on 23 May 1917 the oldest of 3 children. He graduated from Lawrenceville High School in 1936 and worked numerous jobs in and around Springfield before entering the US Army Air Corps in 1943. Since Robert was interested in flying and taking lessons, he pursued flying in the military.
Robert was commissioned a 2nd Lt. and was entering advanced pilot training when the war ended in 1945. Returning to civilian life Robert became a flight instructor at the Old Springfield Airport and was active in the Flying Farmers Group for many years.
Having grown up on his parents farm, farming was a big part of Roberts life. He farmed around Springfield from 1948 to 2006 on various farms raising corn, soybeans and hogs in all those years and teaching his children the value of farming and raising animals: all 3 children took hogs to the Clark County Fair during their school summer vacations. Robert also supplied hogs to numerous 4H club members after his children were grown.
This was a big part of his joy of farming. He was also active in the Ohio Farm Bureau Security Council, taking his turn being the lead when called upon. This Council formed in 1950, was attended by farming couples from throughout Clark County, and was in existence for many decades.
Robert was a member of Asbury Methodist Church for years and continued to attend well into his 90’s. Traveling this great country was a big part of Robert’s life and the Western US and Canada were his favorites. Robert’s interest in western Native American culture led him to become an active supporter of the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana.
He photographed much of the areas he enjoyed and decorated his home with some of his pictures and enjoyed giving slide shows to church groups and friends, sharing his love of the west and photography with others. Robert was a kind and caring husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa, brother and uncle to his family who will miss him dearly. To his farming friends, church friends, other relatives, neighbors and Council members he will sorely be missed.
Contributions may be given to North Hampton Asbury United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers and in memory of Robert. Visitation will be 9-11 AM Monday, November 26, 2018 at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 104 E. Clark St., North Hampton, Ohio with a memorial service at 11 AM in the church. Arrangements by the TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR & FRALEY FUNERAL HOME, New Carlisle, Ohio.
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