Ralph H. “Gator” Goodwin, 75, of Trenton, died Saturday, September 25, 2004 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. The Master of the house is gone.

 “A man so devoted to the success, growth and Camaraderie of his Community, left in peace on the dawn of the 150 anniversary celebration of his beloved Trenton”

 He was born June 1, 1929 in Adams County, OH to Leslie and Hazel (Woods) Goodwin; they preceded him in death 

Also preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Cheney

 He married Norma Jean Peterson on July 1, 1949 at Shreveport, Louisiana; she survives in Trenton

 Also surviving two loving sons, Larry (Pat) Goodwin of O’Fallon and Jerry (Doris) Goodwin of Trenton, and two loving daughters, Debbie (Dale) Batchelor of Hornbeak, TN and Pam (Sam) Gullo of Trenton 

9 beloved Grandchildren-Dawn (Tom) Musenbrock, Tammie (Denver) Steward, Chris (fiancée Tonya Koelmel) Goodwin, Joshua and Jeremy Batchelor, Jackie (Berti) Campos, Brent Rakers, David and Cindy Gullo

 3 Precious Great-Grandchildren-Ethan and Gwen Musenbrock, and Montana Steward

 2 Brothers-Eugene (Doris) Goodwin and Robert (Leann) Goodwin both of Ohio

 4 Sisters-Geneva Robins, Louise (Noel) Davis, Pat Rothwell, and Carol (Jerry) Summeral all of Ohio 

His Family along with his innumerable Friends were everything to him 

Upon his discharge from the United States Air Force, at Scott Air Force Base, Ralph and Jean made Trenton their home, a place where they would foster a family, as well as a place where Ralph would find numerous activities to become involve in.  He excelled in everything he did. 

 Gator retired from Arrow Group Industries in Breese in 1991 as a Maintenance Supervisor and was currently working at the Trenton Post Office in Maintenance and was an active Member of the Trenton City Council where he was a current Alderman

 He attended West Gate Baptist Church in Trenton, was a long time faithful member of the Trenton Nut House Club, 50 Year Member of Trenton American Legion Post 778 and past commander, Canteen Chairman, Chaplain and Former Manager of Trenton Legion Baseball Team where they won the state championship in 1983 (one of Gator’s proudest moments), former member of the Trenton Police Dept. and Fire Dept. and was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict

 Gator’s Hobbies included tinkering with cars, he was heckuva mechanic, golf, gardening, but above all, he enjoyed being with family and friends.  He loved all children he came in contact with very dearly.  Many of those children whose lives he touched are now adults.

 In the words of a poet, “so when a great man dies, for years beyond our kin, the light he leaves behind him shines upon the paths of men” 

Funeral Service will be Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at 10 AM at West Gate Baptist Church in Trenton with Rev. Michael May officiating.  Interment will follow at Trenton Cemetery

 Visitation will be Monday, September 27, 2004 from 4 to 9 PM and again on Tuesday, September 28, 2004 from 8 to 9:45 AM at the Moss Funeral Home in Trenton

Memorials can be made to West Gate Baptist Church or to the Trenton Senior Legion Baseball Team and will be received at the funeral home