William Goodman

William P. Goodman, Jr. 96, of Indianapolis, passed away March 15, 2015. He was born in Chicago Heights, IL on December 15, 1918 to William Porter Goodman and Margaret Chaffee Goodman. He graduated from Bloom Township High School and attended the University of Chicago. Bill served in the US Air Force during World War II and was a decorated bomber pilot in the 22nd Bomb Group, flying 38 missions in a B-24 in the South Pacific. He was recently chosen to go on the Honor Flight of veterans to Arlington Cemetery. His war story is included in a book about veterans published by the Indian Creek Elementary School Veterans Project several years ago and he has spent time since then speaking to students in elementary and middle schools about his experience. His entire work career was spent in the steel industry, from initially working in the steel mill to managing the Indianapolis office of Inland Steel, from which he retired in 1981. He was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church and the Eiteljorg Museum. He was a docent at the Eiteljorg Museum, and he volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House. He was a member of Highland Golf and Country Club for over 50 years and was intimately involved in starting many of the traditional events at the club. As a proud member of the 435 Club at Highland, he enjoyed golf until just a few years ago and continued to value his friendships there. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Goodman in 2001. Survivors include his children, Margy Van Winkle (John) and William Porter Goodman, III; his grandchildren, who always called him "Buck," Stephen Andrew Burns (Jennifer), Katy Allen (Eric), Andrea Van Winkle and Kate Van Winkle (Paul Price) as well as his great grandchildren --Samuel, Elizabeth and Caroline Burns; Margaret, Finley and Louise Allen, and Mason Astill. He is also survived by nieces and nephews--Curt, Paul and Ken Scoonover; Bruce, Jill, Nancy and John Goodman. Friends may call from 11 AM until 2 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Flanner and Buchanan -- Broad Ripple, where funeral services, conducted by Dr. Teri Thomas of Northminster Church, will immediately follow at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to cancer research. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Bill's online tribute page at www.flannerbuchanan.com.