Mr. Goodwin was renowned for his interest in children and he strived to improve opportunity wherever he taught. Assuming the principalship at Lowell high school in depression years, he resumed the publication of the "Lowellian" school year book, which for several years had been discontinued. He also organized the L.H.S.band, for he was always fond of music. During World War I, he served with the U.S. Navy and played with the Navy band.
Mr. Goodwin served in the principal for 36 years, including nine years when he was superintendent of schools at Onarga, Ill. He returned to Lowell three years ago upon his retirement, coming from Brook, where he had been principal for five years.
A prosperous businessman as well as successful educator, Mr. Goodwin has owned the Westside Hardware store here for 34 years.
Happy in his role as a businessman, Mr. Goodwin had relaxed from the heavy responsibilities which he had borne for 36 years, and was thoroughly enjoying the fruits of his labors, deriving much pleasure working about his lovely home.
Myrl was born at Wanatah, Ind., on Feb. 28, 1894, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William J. Goodwin. He attended the University of Michigan and was awarded both the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Northwestern University. On Aug. 30, 1921, he married Lucille Herrold. The couple have one daughter, Mrs. Richard (Mona) Curts of Indianapolis. Both Mona and Dick are completing studies at Indiana University.
Mr. Goodwin held membership in Phi Delta Kappa, an honorary scholastic fraternity and through the years was a Mason of Lowell Colfax lodge, a Lowell Legionnaire, member of Order of Eastern Star, a Key member of the Onarga Lions club, and a lifelong member of the Methodist church.
Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4, in the First Methodist church where he will lie in state from noon until four o'clock on Saturday. The Rev. Harold Hotchkiss, pastor, will officiate and interment will be made in the Lowell cemetery with the Sheets Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Surviving with his wife, Lucille and daughter and family, Richard and Mona Curts and little son Stanley Lee, are two sisters and their families, Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Ruhmkroff of East Lansing, Mich., and Mr. and Mrs. Willette Kuff of Park Ridge, Ill. A sister, Mona is deceased.
Mr. Goodwin's sudden death occurred about 1:30 this morning at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Dyer, where he was rushed following a heart attack in the early evening. He seemingly had been enjoying perfect health.
Go to Merle Goodwin, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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