Webb Goodman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, Dad and grandpa, Dr. Kenneth Webb Goodman, on June 13, 2009. He was surrounded by his wife, Kathleen, and their children at the time of his passing. Webb was born on June 10, 1934 in Safford Arizona. He was the second of seven children born to Neil and Mildred Goodman. He spent most of his growing up years in Tucson Arizona and often tells stories of the many friends and events surrounding that time of his life. Webb was called to serve a mission for the LDS church to Northern Mexico. His mission changed his life, giving him a deep love of people, the gospel and the Spanish language. After returning from his mission, Webb began attending the University of Arizona. His course of study was education. While in school, Webb started dating Kathleen Jones and on June 12, 1959 they were married in the LDS Mesa Arizona Temple. Webb always marked this marriage as one of his greatest achievements. Webb and Kathleen began married life in Tucson Arizona. Webb taught school in Tucson, Colonial Juarez Mexico and Thatcher. While teaching in Mexico, Webb attended a university in Mexico City and completed a Doctorate program in foreign languages. Webb retired from Eastern Arizona College in 1995 after 26 years of teaching. He loved combining his love of the Spanish language with his guitar as he taught his students some of the classic songs of Mexico. Webbs career as a teacher allowed him time to do the things he loved most; spend time with his family and to be involved in athletics. He was able to play in a number of leagues and teach his children and grandchildren how to play basketball, tennis, and baseball. The devotion and time commitment that he had for his family was evidence of his love for God, wife and children. Webb traveled extensively in Mexico and loved to share this experience with his family and others. Many people had the opportunity to travel with him and had the chance to experience him in a setting that was so natural to him. Webb and Kathleen had an opportunity to serve as temple workers in the LDS Mesa Arizona Temple and as couple missionaries in Mexico. They reached their 50th anniversary on June 12, 2009 just prior to his passing. Their relationship has been a powerful example to their children and grandchildren. He was quick to give away anything of his own to others in need. He had a particular sensitivity to the needs of those who were less fortunate than himself. It is impossible to adequately express the love we have for him. As our tears have fallen at his passing, we are comforted by the sure knowledge that he is waiting for us on the other side, encircled in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ. He is survived by his wife Kathleen, and children Kenny Goodman (Mlee), Robyn Willis (Marshall), Renee Layton (Joey), Laura John (Johnny), Sam Goodman (Amy), Marcos Goodman (Esther) and Garet Goodman (Amanda), along with 28 grandchildren. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Thatcher LDS Stake Center. A viewing will be held the evening prior from 6:00 8:00 p.m. at Thatcher LDS Stake Center and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow at the Thatcher cemetery. The family is compiling a book of memories about Webb for future posterity. Those who wish to contribute may bring a memory of Webb to the funeral service or send to the family at webbgoodman@gmail.com.