October 25, 1934 – October 23, 2021
Kenneth Dale Goodnight, 86, Westfield, formerly of Sheridan, passed away at his home on Saturday morning, October 23, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Clinton County, Ind., on October 25, 1934, he was the son of the late Loren L. Sr., and Ethel Cleo (Croy) Goodnight. He attended Michigantown High School where he enjoyed playing basketball. He would later serve his country in the National Guard.
He attended Country Chapel Church of God in Michigantown.
Kenneth worked for Delco Remy for 15 years before making a huge career change. After leaving Delco, he hired on with Southeastern Trailways as a driver. His years of driving a tour bus would change him in ways he never imagined. During his time as a charter bus driver Kenneth caught the travel bug. He loved getting to see the country and was thrilled that he was being paid to do it. It was the perfect set of events at this point in his life. Even after leaving Southeastern, his love for travel and adventure continued to draw him out on the open road in search of new places to see. Kenneth’s years of experience behind the wheel would serve him well during the next chapter in his career; he took a position with the Carmel Clay School System as a school bus driver for their special needs students. Though he didn’t realize it at the time, this would be the position that would have the greatest impact on him as a person. He quickly fell in love with his new extended family, finding that every day with them was a true blessing in his life.
It wasn’t always work, work, and more work for Kenneth. He was a very talented woodworker, as well as an avid painter and crafter. Whenever he needed to recharge, he would just let his artistic side run amuck. Somehow the creative juices would start to flow, another project would be in the works, and his batteries would always fill right up – no matter how drained he would feel at the onset.
Family was a very important part of Kenneth’s life. He was family-focused, especially when it came to his grandchildren. He always made time for them and made sure that they knew that “Pap” loved each and every one of them.
Kenneth is survived by his loving wife, Norma Jean (Conduff) Goodnight. She and Kenneth were married on July 12, 1959. Also surviving are sons, Jeffrey “JD” Goodnight (Donna), and Brian K. Goodnight (Kathy), both of Westfield; three grandchildren, Kristian Frye (Shane) of Sheridan, Adam Goodnight (Lisa) of Westfield, and Shelby Geist (Nate) of Noblesville; three great-grandchildren, Cameron Frye, Jameson Goodnight, and Beckett Goodnight; sister, Donna Cripe (Earl) of Michigantown; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Loren L. Goodnight, Jr., and Morris Goodnight; and sisters, Mary Moore and Mildred “Millie” Clendenning.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan.
Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. at Green Lawn Cemetery in Frankfort, Ind.
Kenneth’s grandson-in-law, Pastor Shane Frye, will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be presented to either the American Lung Association or to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com