Dr. Fred Goodwin

Dr. Fred B. Goodwin, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born Sept. 9, 1930, in Cape Girardeau, to Van and Dorothy Pott Goodwin. He and Virginia Keisker were married Aug. 4, 1951, in Jackson.

Fred was a talented and versatile man. He was an accomplished musician. In his youth and middle age he played trombone in most of the local dance bands. Fred could both read music and play by ear. After retirement Fred took up the acoustic bass and enjoyed playing with family and friends.

He was also a fine athlete. As an undergraduate, he played on Southeast Missouri State University's tennis team. He was an excellent racket ball player, and was also one of the best golfers at Cape Girardeau Country Club many years.

All his life Fred enjoyed the outdoors, hunting waterfowl and upland birds. He also spent much time fishing, particularly at his family's cabin at Stoney Battery.

As a father, husband and friend, there was none better. Fred was kind, fair, patient, loving and selfless. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful wit. He enriched our lives. We will miss him deeply.

Dr. Goodwin was dean of the College of Humanities at Southeast University, retiring in 1988.

He was past national president, Pi Kappa Delta, national honorary fraternity in debate and public address; past national chairman, Speech Communication Association of America Committee to select National Intercollegiate Debate and Discussion topics; past president of Missouri Association of College and University Speech Directors; past governor, Province of Missouri (Missouri and Iowa) Pi Kappa Delta forensic fraternity.

He was past chairman, Missouri Committee for the Humanities. Inducted, Pi Kappa Delta Hall of Fame for "contributions to American forensics;" past president, Friends of the Public Library in Cape Girardeau; past president, Cape Girardeau Community Concert Association; past president, Cape Girardeau Lions Club; Cape Girardeau Municipal Band member over 50 years playing trombone and was its announcer many years, and was a member of its board of directors. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Goodwin of Cape Girardeau; a son, Mark Goodwin of Jackson; two daughters, Debbie Patterson of Caruthersville, Mo., Nancy White of Neosho, Mo.; three grandchildren, Michael Goodwin, Jennifer Beussink and Stacy Vines; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Van and Dorothy Goodwin.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church.

The family will greet friends after the service in the narthex at the church.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Presbyterian Church, Southeast Hospice, or Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.