Ira M. Goodrich

Ira M. ("Red") Goodrich, 82, died peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, May 3, 2010 in his hometown of Austin, Texas. Born July 19, 1927 in Nacogdoches, Texas to Ira and Dolly Goodrich. Ira was 7 when he and his siblings were orphaned and split up after his mother's death. Their father had passed away two years earlier. He was raised by his grandmother "Bebo" Muckleroy in Nacogdoches. Ira attended Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M, University of Texas, and the University of Texas Law School, graduating with his law degree in 1956. While his degrees were issued by U.T., his heart was always with A&M where he attended before entering the Navy during WWII. He was posted to a ship that observed one of the early nuclear bomb tests. Ira worked for Travelers Insurance Company and for the Texas Department of Insurance until he retired in 1993. After his retirement, he worked as a bailiff of the 126th District Court from 2001 through 2005, where he was a good friend to many. He enjoyed the years that he spent active in Scouting with each of his three sons and their Scouting buddies. Each of his sons received the Eagle Scout Award. Red was tapped for the Order of the Arrow, a National Scouting organization of honor campers, and subsequently tapped for the Vigil Honor. His Vigil name, Father of Eagles, was extremely meaningful to him. Ira was a faithful member of Covenant Presbyterian Church for 40 years. Red and Rock loved traveling to many places and spending time with their family. He also enjoyed serving as a volunteer at the Performing Arts Center, Paramount, and Austin Symphony. Ira was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jane Mahan; brother, Dave Goodrich; son, Jeff Goodrich, and grandson, Sam Goodrich. Ira is survived by his wife, Ernestine "Rock" Goodrich of 55 years; son, Mike Goodrich and wife, Kathy of Arlington, Texas; son, David Goodrich and wife, Sue of Conroe, Texas; daughter-in-law Sandy Gazda and husband, Peter of San Antonio, Texas and grandchildren, Kate and Laura Goodrich; Beth Goodrich; Emily Goodrich-Gazda, Matthew Goodrich-Gazda, Andrew Goodrich-Gazda, Daniel Goodrich-Gazda, and Natalie Goodrich-Gazda; and numerous nieces and nephews. Sarah Jean Seith, of Mantua, Ohio, a half-sister also survived Ira. Red's family would like to thank his doctors, nurses and aides for their compassion and care, with special appreciation to Seton Hospitalist, Dr. Scott Clitheroe. The family will receive friends between 4 and 6 p.m., Saturday, May 8 at Weed- Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, Texas. A memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 9 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas, with Rev. Tom Mitchell officiating. Memorials may be made to your favorite charity or to the Covenant Presbyterian Church Music Fund.