John Charles Goodbrake's Obituary
Decatur – John Charles Goodbrake, 80, of Decatur passed away on Tuesday August 23, 2016, after a 19 year battle with Leukemia.
John was born on May 29, 1936, in Decatur, the son of John R. and Virginia E. (Rollinger) Goodbrake. He married Betty R. West in Clinton, IL on April 30, 1953.
Mr. Goodbrake was employed for 30 years in the Railroad Industry. He was a yard clerk for the Illinois Central Railroad, freight agent for Pennsylvania and Conrail Railroad., terminal superintendent for the Wabash Valley Railroad, as well as trainmaster for Illinois Terminal railroad and superintendent of transportation for Prairie Central Railroad.
After retirement, he worked 15 years in the auto industry for Perry Thomas/Bob Ridings Lincoln-Mercury in Decatur. He and his wife owned 2 businesses during their life together; Goodbrakes’s Tropical Fish and Goodbrake’s Roofing and Fence Co. His many interests included miniature train, plane modeling and World War II history. He and Betty enjoyed many vacations together, including two Hawaiian vacations. They’ve been avid campers at Arrowhead campground and for a number of years wintered on the coast of South Texas at Rockport which he had fond memories of calling Bingo at Circle W Ranch.
The family would like to thank Dr. Estrada-Garcia and her staff for the outstanding care John received. He had much affection for those at the Cancer Care Center. Also, would like to thank Symphony of Decatur Second Floor and all the staff for their kindness and loving care John received towards the end of his life. He felt safe there and didn’t want to go anywhere else.
Surviving are his wife Betty; son, Richard Goodbrake (Vickey) of Decatur; daughters, Anita “Kay” Georgeson (Tom) of Elgin; Barbara Welch (Rich) of Decatur; Deb Mitchell (Kevin) of Decatur; brothers, dale Goodbrake (Sandy) of Cotter, AR; Ronald Goodbrake (Billie) of Terrell, TX; Mary Lou echart of Decatur; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way; step-sisters, Rose Crane (Jack) and Dorothy Burnett (James) ; step-brother, Bobby Rollinger; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Mark Goodbrake, brother, James Goodbrake, step-sisters, Sarah Burroughs and Helen Pullins, and one granddaughter, Michelle Czerechowicz
Funeral service to celebrate John’s life will be 10 AM Tuesday, August 30, 2016, in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Cecil. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Monday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Westside Church of the Nazarene, 788 N. Sunnyside Road Decatur, IL 62522.
The family of John Charles Goodbrake is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Video Tribute for John Charles Goodbrake:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/DSZ7MRTSP2R8ZGNT
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