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GOODMAN -- Howard Kenneth Goodman, "Jack," was born to Charles A. Goodman and Beulah Dowda on September 21, 1923 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Jack was a brave bombardier and served our country during World War II in Europe fighting the Nazis. His years of service in the European Theatre Operation with the 15th Army Air Force 460th Bomb Group 760th Squadron earned him an Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with five Bronze Service Stars, and one Overseas Service Bar. But Jack was more than just a man or a soldier. Jack was a student of life, a renaissance man, a loving father and grandfather, a compassionate friend, a teacher, and a proprietor of stubbornness. It seems that a series of "meant-to-be" circumstances comprised Jack's wonderful life. For example, he met his sweetheart because they were neighbors before even attending college. Armed with his BS in Business, Jack wed Suzanne Payne on March 5, 1949. Jack then operated the Catfish Bay Resort on Lake Texoma and was later recalled to Air Force duty. Four beautiful children later, Jack and Suzanne moved to Albuquerque in 1962 after he received his MBA and his teaching certificate. Jack was an excellent teacher and taught science to Ernie Pyle middle school students until his retirement in 1981. Jack continued his teaching experience by volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America and was a scoutmaster in Troop #88 and later Explorer Post #88. His calling in life was teaching, and he did this every day until the day he met his wife and child in heaven. After Suzanne and their youngest daughter, Jennifer, died in an auto accident, Jack raised his sons, Charles and James, and his daughter Patty. Jack is survived by Charles, wife, Dianne and sons, Brant and Ryan; Patricia, and daughters, Kerstan and Kathryn; and James, wife, Cathy and their two daughters, Danica and Ada. Jack's sister, Pat, her husband, Floyd, and their sons, Art, Mitch, and Patrick will also miss Jack deeply. Jack's family and friends, especially Dorothy Vassallo, will miss him forever, and his absence is felt by all who loved him and who were touched by his life. Cremation has occurred. Memorial Services will be held at St. Mark's on the Mesa Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 31, 2004. The time will be announced. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th ST. NW. ABQ. 505-343-8008
        Published on: Thu July 15, 2004