John Eli Goodrich, son of Jacob and Wakie (Fogg) Goodrich, was born on October 3, 1931 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and passed from this life to be with his Lord on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 29 days.
John bravely served his country during the Korean War. He supported his family as a Barber and made many friends while in business. John was blessed with a large, loving family. John gave his life to the Lord, attended Southwestern Bible College and began ministering to those in need. His presence will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched.
Rev. John Goodrich was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution National Medal of Honor in 2009 for his leadership, trustworthiness, patriotism and service.
In service to his country, Johnny volunteered for duty in the Army. His enlistment date was from November 1949 until February 1952 when he was honorably discharged. He took his basic training at Ft. Riley, Kansas. He served with the Far East command and in Korea- the 25th division, 90th Field Artillery. He served during the Korean War and was trained as a cannoneer, a difficult task that he willingly undertook. Johnny is very proud of his time in service and often recalls some of the heartbreaking experiences including the extremely cold weather that he and his fellow servicemen had to face. John is the recipient of several medals including: Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation with Japan Clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with Four Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal and is entitled to The Republic of Korea Presidential Citation Badge.
Johnny was trained as a Barber in 1958 and ordained into the ministry in 1962. He is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Tx, where he received his Associate of Arts in Divinity. He served in the following capacities: Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Evangelism Chairman, Treasurer, and Business Director at Family Camp for the Cherokee Baptist Assembly. He held other offices also, such as Chairman of Benevolence, Evangelist and Falls Creek Camp Pastor.
Some of the churches where John pastored include:
Cherry Tree Baptist, Chuculate, Echota. Illinois River, 1st Indian of Tahlequah, Hillside, Euwasha, Fourkiller, Oak Grove, & Marble City.
His parents: Jacob and Wakie Goodrich, first wife: Cinita Goodrich, an infant daughter: Annetta Goodrich, sisters: Rachel Chuculate, Maryan Goodrich and Hazel Ratliff, brother: Charles Licklighter preceded him in death.
John is survived by his wife: Linda Goodrich of the home in Tahlequah, OK, children: Elizabeth Goodrich of Tahlequah, Taylor Goodrich and wife Pat of Stilwell, OK, Helen Goodrich of Stilwell, Jacob Goodrich and wife Kelly of Tahlequah, Christopher Goodrich and wife Frances of Stilwell, Fayth Lewis and husband Jonathan of Tahlequah, 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, brothers: Clifford Goodrich of Stilwell, Gary Goodrich of Senora, CA, Warren Goodrich of Proctor, OK, Isaac Goodrich of Stilwell, Calvin Goodrich of Stilwell, sister: Juanita Green of Stilwell and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held at 1 pm on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Cherry Tree Baptist Church, Stilwell, Oklahoma with Bro. Dale Wilson officiating. Interment followed at Chulio Cemetery, Stilwell, OK under the direction of Roberts/Reed-Culver Funeral Home.
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