Frank Goodwin

Obituary of Frank Murrell Goodwin

Frank Murrell Goodwin, 87, passed away November 11, 2018 in Olympia, Washington.  He was born January 13, 1931 to Thomas Goodwin and Martha Sylvester in Lebanon, Oregon.  Over the years, he also lived in Eugene, Oregon (1950-1954), Cumberland, Iowa (1954-1957), and Burns, Oregon (1957-1970), before moving to Olympia, his home for 48 years.

 

Frank’s mother passed away when he was nine years old, and his father was left to raise seven children on his own.  After Frank finished the 8th grade, he was forced to drop out of school and work to support the family.  After being out of school for a year, Zeta Kowitz, one of his grade school teachers, invited him to live with her so he could continue his education. At the age of 15, Frank left home with just the clothes on his back, and went to live with Zeta and her husband, Willie, who became his foster parents. Mrs. Kowitz treated him like her own son and saw that he finished high school (Lebanon Union High, 1950) and went on to college. He graduated from Northwest Christian College in Eugene (1954), and Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa (1957).  He also attended the University of Oregon in Eugene.

 

Frank married Frances “Joanne” Downing on June 19, 1953 in Ashland, Oregon.  Professionally, he worked as a minister (1954-1975) and Realtor with James W. Hodges Realty (1975-1980).  He had been a member of the First Christian Church in Olympia since 1975.  

 

Frank was friendly.  He was a people person who could strike up a conversation with anyone.  He enjoyed meeting friends every morning at McDonalds for coffee.  He also was hardworking and determined. He loved fishing, hunting, riding quads, and was a member of the National Rifle Association.

 

Frank is survived by his wife, Frances “Joanne” Goodwin; sons, Douglas (Marcy) Goodwin of Sheridan, Wyoming, Larry (Annie) Goodwin of West Richland, Washington, and Gary (Jodie) Goodwin of Olympia; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and brother, Johnny Goodwin of Brothers, Oregon.  He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Goodwin and Martha Sylvester; foster parents, Zeta and Willie Kowitz; brothers, Albert, William “Jack,” and Thomas; sisters, Violet and Martha; and foster sister, Laneve.

 

Services will be held Friday, November 23, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia, WA  98501.

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Friday
23
November

Memorial Service

2:00 pm
Friday, November 23, 2018
First Christian Church
701 Franklin St. SE
Olympia, Washington, United States
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