Obituary of Russell Goodwin

Longtime Flagler, Colorado businessman Russell R. Goodwin passed away on December, 11 2008 at the Kit Carson Memorial Hospital at the age of 89. Russell Goodwin was an honest and kind man of great integrity who lived a very honorable life, giving of his time and spirit. He loved to tease and had a great sense of humor. Russell was born December 7, 1919 in Flagler to Van H. Goodwin and Minta D. (Thompson) Goodwin. He was the fourth of six boys born to this union. He attended school at Flagler, at Second Central and graduated from Seibert High School in 1938. He later studied accounting through La Salle Extension University. After high school Russell worked with his father farming until enlisting in the Army in March of 1943. He became a member of the 541st Parachute Infantry Regiment. During his training he met and married his beloved wife Jamie D. Cantrell of Sparta, Tennessee. His Regiment was shipped overseas as replacements for the 11th Airborne, 187th Para-glider Infantry Regiment. They went to the Philippines, then Okinawa, then into Japan. After the war Russell and Jamie returned to Flagler where they made their home for 53 years. Russell worked with his father and brothers in Goodwin and Sons Trucking for a few years then became the General Manger of the Flagler Equity Co-Op where he worked until he retired 34 years later. During this time Russell and Jamie raised three children, Peggy, Terry and Curtis. In Flagler, Russell was actively involved in both the community and the First Congregational Church. He served on the Town Council and as Mayor, spent 20 years as a volunteer fireman, served on the School Board, was a member of the Housing Board, and was a member of the Flagler Lions Club where he was the treasurer for 40 years. In the church he served on the Board of Trustees, and was the treasurer for 30 years. He was the president of the Colorado State Cooperative Council and served on the Board of Wichita Bank for Cooperatives. After retirement, Russell became passionate about the game of golf. As long as the weather allowed he played 9 holes every morning of the week for many years. He was a contributing builder of the golf cart barn at the Flagler Golf Course. Russell continued to golf regularly until he was forced by physical limitations to give it up in March of 2005. In June of 1999 Russell and Jamie moved to Goodland, Kansas to be near their son Curtis and his family. Russell enjoyed much quality time with them. Russell’s parents and all five brothers preceded him in death. Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Jamie and their children; Peggy and her husband Art Long of Palm Harbor, Florida, Terry Goodwin of Stratton, Colorado and Curt and his wife Tina of Goodland, Kansas. Also surviving him are six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and three sister-in-laws plus numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Memorials may be made in his name to the First Congregational Church in Flagler and may be left at the High Plains Bank, Flagler, Colorado 80815. Funeral services for Russell were held on Monday, December 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Flagler with Pastor Bob Strauch officiating. Burial followed in the Flagler Cemetery, Flagler, Colorado.