Ralph Goddard

Ralph Goddard, 92, passed away on Wednesday, March 03, 2010 at 12 P.M. noon at his residence in Marion. Ralph was born September 18, 1917 in Marion the son of Harry Goddard and the Reverend Berniece Goddard. He married Nellie Colombo on November 19, 1938 in Johnston City and together they have been blessed with over 71 years of marriage, she survives of Marion. He was saved and baptized in the Warder Street Baptist Church in Marion. He was a graduate of Johnston City High School, following high school he proudly answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Navy and serving during WWII. In 1976 he retired from the coal mines after working for 34 years at Freeman #4 mine. For eight years he served on the Johnston City School Board. Ralph spent many years of his life enjoying all breeds of horses especially cutting horses and trail riding in the Shawnee National Forest. For many years he served as an American Quarter Horse Association Judge and for several years he and Nellie participated in trail rides in Corpus Christi, Texas. During their retirement he and Nellie traveled throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to his wife he is survived by his; Daughter Joyce Schwarm and husband Louis Sonny of Marion Four grandchildren; Debra Troop and husband Mike of Marion Susan May and husband Shannon of Carterville Mark Schwarm and wife Carole of Marion David Schwarm of Marion Seven great grandchildren; Sarah, Jennifer and Justin May Jacob and Jeremiah Schwarm Stephen and Jonathan Troop Sister Emma Louise Kline and husband Robert of Johnston City Nephew Jim Kline of Crown Pointe, Indiana Preceded by Parents, Brother Robert Goddard and Grandson - Mike Berry. Funeral services will be Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 2 P.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Todd Greiner officiating. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 11 A.M. until the time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. For those who prefer memorials may be made to the Goddard Chapel. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.