Alfred Junior "A.J." Goodwin

Alfred Junior “A.J.” Goodwin, 94, of Independence, MO passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th, 2015 at the E. 39th Street Congregation, Community of Christ, Independence, MO. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will be held at Mound Grove Cemetery.
A.J. was born August 26, 1920 in Fairfield, IA as one of two children to Alfred E. and Alice (Swanson) Goodwin. A.J. graduated from Iowa State University in 1943 with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering before enlisting in the U.S. Army and proudly serving during WWII. He met his beloved Ruth Louise (Midgorden) at the university and they courted via letter during his service overseas. They married on March 23, 1947. A.J. worked for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft first at their Oklahoma plant before relocating to their California plant in 1965 and working there until his retirement in 1986. He made numerous contributions to the computer and space engineering industries. At the age of 70, he returned to Antioch University where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. He practiced marriage, family, and child counseling until his move to Missouri in 2000. A.J. and Ruth are long time members of the Community of Christ. He was ordained first as Elder, then High Priest, and eventually as Evangelist. He was very active in the church as a former pastor for Costa Mesa, CA and Ardmore, OK congregations as well as hosting numerous youth and young adult small group discussions in their home. He also served on the Salvation Army Board in Shawnee, OK. His family remembers him as hard working, giving, and especially loving.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth of the home; daughter Ann Mallett (Bob) of Smithville, MO; daughter-in-law Marcia Sierman of Phoenix, AZ; grandsons, Travis Sierman (Marie) of Burlington, KY and David Mallett (Jennifer) of Rapid City, SD; great grandchildren, Michael and Jesse; and brother-in-law, John Midgorden (Judy) of Independence, MO. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy “Dottie” Antosh; and by their son, James Sierman who was fostered in life but adopted in heart. The family encourages contributions to Outreach International in his memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)