John Allen Goddard

John Allen Goddard, 88, passed on Sept. 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS.
He is survived by his wife, LaVon Goddard; his daughter, Tarese Loveland; and his adopted son, Christopher Goddard.
He was born on March 1, 1937 in southeast Kansas. He graduated from Lutcher Stark High School, Orange, Texas, in 1955. John earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree from Kansas State College in 1960.
He began his long career in fisheries science with the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1962 as one of the first two fisheries management biologists for the state of Missouri. In 1980, he received an award of recognition for “Positive action on an oil spill in Asher Creek.” He retired in 1992 as the Fisheries Regional Supervisor for the Southwest Region after 30 years of service.
He was an innovator at work and play. He developed a method of using headsets to improve the efficiency of sampling and recording fishes while electrofishing. He was an avid hunter and expert angler.
After he retired, he developed a passion for playing bridge and introducing others to the game. He immersed himself in the study of the game and contemplated his wins and losses as any dedicated player of any sport or game often does. He approached bridge with the same enthusiasm he had for hunting, fishing, and helping others. One day, he knocked on LaVon’s door and gave her a copy of Eddie Kantor’s 400-page book, “Bridge for Dummies.” He and LaVon were joined in marriage soon after.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements under the direction of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home.