Merle "Bill" Goodwin

Merle William Goodwin, age 89, a long time resident of Dunedin, Florida, passed away on March 3, 2016. Merle was born on June 4, 1926 in Battle Creek Michigan. He attended Tufts College in Medford, Massachusetts, where he received a BS in mechanical engineering, and met Janet Wilson Clark, the love of his life and his future wife. Merle and Janet were married on December 18, 1948. Merle attended the University of Connecticut, where he received his law degree. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as Chief Petty Officer on The Midway. He was later stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, from 1952 - 1954, where he served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG). He had a long career as a patent attorney. He retired from his position as Assistant Patent Counsel for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 1990. Merle was a member of the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), the Sports Car Club of America and the Wyoming Antelope Club - Florida. He enjoyed golfing, boating, woodworking, and gourmet cooking. Merle is survived by Janet, his wife of 67 years; his children Cynthia, Susan, and , William; grandchildren Benjamin and his wife Jennifer, Mark, Philip, Paul, Lauren, Christopher, and William; and great granddaughters Elizabeth and Ada, and his son in law Humphrey Jones, Jr, and daughter in law Patty Goodwin. He was preceded in death by his parents Faye and Clinton Goodwin, and his son in law, Robert Murphy, Jr. He will be remembered for dedication to his wife Janet, his exceptional intellect, and his enthusiasm for life. Merle will be buried at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Largo on Monday, March 7, at noon. Family and friends will gather together for a Celebration of Life on Monday, March 7, at 6:00 PM, at Cypress Palms in Largo. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Dunedin Public Library Foundation, Inc., 223 Douglas Ave. Dunedin, FL 34698.