Charles “served in US Navy during World War II as a 17 year old member of an elite underwater demolition team. Following his service in the Navy, he joined the aviation cadet program of the US Air Force where he received his wings and a commission as a second Lieutenant. His tours of duty were world-wide during his long and distinguished career of 32 years in fighter aircraft operations. During WWII while in the Navy, he was involved in combat in the European and Pacific theaters. He flew numerous combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He was a highly decorated career officer. His many awards and decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medals and others too numerous to mention.
After retiring from the Air Force, he moved to Litchfield Park and took a position with the Maricopa County Department of Emergency services.”(1)
Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/azcentral/name/charles-goodwin-obituary?id=12266426
Charles E. Goodwin, Col USAF Ret., “Headed West” on October 14, 2009.
Colonel Charles E. Goodwin was born October 7, 1926 in Cedar Bluff in the Clinch mountain area of Virginia. Colonel Goodwin graduated from Richlands High School and Concord College in Athens, West Virginia with a degree in Business Administration.
He served in US Navy during World War II as a 17 year old member of an elite underwater demolition team. Following his service in the Navy, he joined the aviation cadet program of the US Air Force where he received his wings and a commission as a second Lieutenant. His tours of duty were world-wide during his long and distinguished career of 32 years in fighter aircraft operations. During WWII while in the Navy, he was involved in combat in the European and Pacific theaters. He flew numerous combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. He was a highly decorated career officer. His many awards and decorations include the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Air Medals and others too numerous to mention.
After retiring from the Air Force, he moved to Litchfield Park and took a position with the Maricopa County Department of Emergency services.
He retired in 1991. Since retirement, he enjoyed the good life: golf, a good martini, spending time with his lovely wife, Terry, his 3 children, and his great community of family and friends. A lifelong Republican, he also loved a good political discussion.
Colonel Goodwin is survived by his wife Terry, his children Alicia, Katie, and Charlie Goodwin, his grandchildren Jack and Sonia Kuykendall, his sister Ruth Mercer and brother Randy Goodwin. A memorial service was Held on October 21, 2009 at The Church at Litchfield Park. Arrangements by: Thompson’s West Valley Funeral Chapel
Memorial donations may be sent to: Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85014
Published by The Arizona Republic from Oct. 20 to Oct. 21, 2009.
