Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Fisher Funeral Chapel
Howard Eugene Goodrich, 91 of Royal Center, passed away early Easter morning, March 31, 2024, in the same Boone Township home where he was born, surrounded by the love of family and precious memories.
Born May 9, 1932, he was the, son of the late Wilbur Ivan and Thelma Madeline (White) Goodrich.
A 1950 graduate of Royal Center High School, Howard was a member of the high school band when he fell in love with Betty Jean Berry. Two years his junior, she graduated in May of 1952 and the couple were married June 15, 1952, in the Methodist Church.
For Howard, farming was more than just a way to make a living, it was the way he lived his life. He was a good steward of the land as well as the livestock he raised. In addition, Howard served his community as a Boone Township Trustee; as a member of the Pioneer School Board for 16 years; and he had served on the board of directors at the Community State Bank. He was a dedicated 4-H dad and grandpa and the number #1 fan of any sport or activity that involved his family.
Howard was a member of the Baptist-Christian Church in Royal Center. He was a 50-year+ member and Past Master of the Royal Center Masonic Lodge. a benevolent fraternity that cares deeply for the community. He had served as its treasurer for many years. Howard was also a 50-year + member and Past Patron of the Royal Center Order of Eastern Star. and a member of the Fort Wayne Valley of the Scottish Rite. An avid bowler, in 2021, Howard was recognized for his participation in the USBC National Bowling Tournament for 50 years. In 2016, he was inducted into the Loganland USBC Association Hall of Fame.
Surviving with his wife of 71 years, Betty Goodrich, are five children, Gregory (Vickie) Goodrich, Lucerne, IN, Lisa (Tom) Farrer, Royal Center, IN, Barry (Brenda) Goodrich, Carmel, IN, Tami (Rob) Robinson and Emily (Mark) Harvey, all of Royal Center; grandchild: Greg (Demara) Goodrich, Chandra (Jim) Allen, Shelley (Ray) Calisto, Marcus Goodrich, Payton (Kristen) Farrer, Taylor (Kristen) Farrer, Bailey (Taylor) Graham,, Sarah (Brian) Stuerzenberger, Erin (Kai) Ludwigs, Zachary (Kevmika) Goodrich, Nicole (Gerald) Zulkowski, Ryan (Taylor) Robinson, Clayton Harvey (fiancée, Aleah), and Gabrielle Harvey, (fiancé, Matt); and 32 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by two siblings, Harold Goodrich and Marjorie Osborn.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 5 in Fisher Funeral Chapel, concluding with Masonic rites at 7 p.m.
A funeral service celebrating Howard’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6 in the funeral chapel with Pastor Joel Sharp officiating.
Interment will follow in the Kistler Cemetery in Royal Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Royal Center Baptist-Christian Church or the Royal Center Masonic Lodge.
You may share memories and offer condolences on Howard’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.