Cuba – Leland (Lee) O. Goodwin, age 97, Cuba, passed away at 7:20 P.M, on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at The Loft, skilled care facility, Canton, IL.
Lee was born October 16, 1922 in Rushville, IL, the son of Dorothy and Glenn Goodwin.
He married Betty Burnham, Littleton, IL in 1947 in Davenport, IA. She survives and has lived independently in Macomb, IL for many years.
Surviving are his two children, Dennis (Barbara), Bloomington, IL, Debby Kunard and friend Mike Woodside, Macomb, Il, grandson Anthony Kimmell, Gridley, IL and four great grandchildren; Alexandra Kimmell, Michael Kimmell, Bloomington, IL and Hayden Kimmell, Paisley Kimmell of Odell IL.
Lee is preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Lyle Goodwin, Arlington Heights, Louise Hendricker, Beardstown, IL, Margie Bunfill, Mesa, AZ, Lester Goodwin, Rushville, IL, Virgil Goodwin, Meredosia, IL and Marilene Brobeck, Tuscon, AZ.
Lee graduated from Rushville High School in 1940 and served in the US Navy during World War II as a deep-sea salvage diver graduating second in his class of 63 divers at Pier 88, New York City. After the war, he worked as a farmer in rural Industry, IL and achieved a reputation as a great livestock man. In 1959 he transitioned to his career passion metal work. He retired from International Harvester Manufacturing firm in Canton, IL as a welder and metal fabricator and spent his retirement building his own metal working shop on his property in Cuba and from which soon gained a reputation of knowing how to fabricate/fix anything. Lee was a very fair and principled man, always cheering for the underdog and never losing sight of his humble depression-era roots. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and leaves a wonderful legacy based on honor and sacrifice.
UPDATED: Due to COVID – 19 Mandates all service for Leland will be held privately.
Memorials may be made to the Cuba Senior Citizens Fund.
To leave online condolences, or to view Leland’s video tribute please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com
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