Alan J. Goddard

Alan J. Goddard Age 65, was born on Nov. 6, 1948 in Greensburg, IN to Judge John W. and Mrs. Alice Goddard. Alan participated in many activities while growing up in Greensburg including: his church, Boy Scouts (Eagle), YMCA, and Life Guarding at the city pool. While attending Greensburg High he excelled in several athletics. He was Honorable Mention All Conference in football, and was noted as an excellent pitcher for the high school baseball team winning MVP for the Pirates. Alan attended Indiana University where he pledged Beta Theta Pi, obtained his Bachelors degree from Indiana State in Education and his Masters from Butler University. He did his student teaching at Wood High School in Indianapolis. His 34 year teaching career was in Wayne Township, first at Fulton Junior High and then at Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center in Indianapolis. He taught social studies and world history while coaching baseball, football and wrestling. Alan’s acclaim in coaching wrestling brought him many honors and he was inducted into the IHSWCA Hall of Fame in 1994. He received the ISWA John Hurrle Award in 2001. He became the Ben Davis Head Wrestling coach. He was known throughout Indiana by coaches and athletes who all admired and respected his hard work and sense of humor. Alan was known for his sense of humanity and generosity and never hesitated to help a student who was in need. He was selected to Who’s Who Among American Teachers 3 times. Alan married Barbara Leininger in 1976. Barbara supported Alan’s coaching endeavors. Alan and Barbara loved traveling and led many tours for students to Europe. Alan participated in the ISWA exchanges with Japan and made 2 of the trips there. Alan died peacefully on February 15 at St. Vincent’s Hospital surrounded with his family and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and nephew, John S. Goddard. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; brothers Stephen G. (Cindy) and J. Philip; nephew Matthew (Melanie) Goddard; niece Melissa Day; 3 great-nieces; and 4 great nephews. Visitation will be 4-8pm Wed. Feb. 19 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Funeral Services will be 12 noon Thurs. Feb. 20 at Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home, Greensburg, with visitation there from 10am. Burial will be in South Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Indy West Wrestling Club c/o Brett Nabb, 10228 Corinth Way, Avon, IN 46123 or the Decatur County Family YMCA, 1301 Kathy’s Way, Greensburg, IN 47240. Online guestbook at www.gilliland-howe.com