Joseph H. Goodman of Seymour passed away this past Sunday morning, November 11th surrounded by his family at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on March 22nd, 1944 in Sullivan, Indiana to Troy and Edna (n�e Alexander) Goodman of Dugger, Indiana.
Goodman graduated from Dugger Union High School in 1962 and went on to graduate from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1966 minoring in English. In 1973 he received his Masters of Education and Administration Degree from Ball State University.
Goodman was married to Sharon L. Goodman (n�e Leach) at the Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church on August 20th, 1966. Goodman immediately started teaching that same fall at Maconaquah Junior High School where he also began his long and illustrious coaching career, leading both the football and basketball teams. Shortly thereafter, Goodman began coaching football, basketball, baseball and track at Maconaquah High School and in the fall of 1972, Goodman became the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at MHS. That same fall, Goodman welcomed his only son, Parker Grant Goodman into the world on November 9th.
In 1974, Goodman took the position of Head Football Coach at Seymour High School where he remained for 30 seasons. He taught classes at SHS in Health, Advanced Health, Anatomy, Physical Education and Weight Training and held various titles in administration all while pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Education at Butler University. Over his career, Goodman had a coaching record of 202-133, including a Hoosier Hills Conference record of 38-11. In his final six years of coaching, from 1998-2003, the Owls had a record of 53-17 and in his last 16 years of coaching, his teams went 119-54. He led teams to six sectionals, two regionals, and one semi-state and in 1991, the Owls finished runners-up in the state finals. Goodman coached 65 All-State players, 16 Indiana All-Stars, 54 Academic All-State Players and 209 All-Conference players. Goodman was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1998 – one of his proudest achievements. He was the Indiana Football Coaches Association President in 1982, and served as IFCA assistant secretary in charge of awards for more than 20 years. Goodman was a co-chair of the IFCA All-State Selection committee, and chair of the “Mr. Football” selection committee. He was the head coach of the IFCA All-Star Game in 1998 and was an assistant three other times. This past summer, the IFCA named an award after Goodman, which is given to an Indiana All-Star player who exemplifies the most leadership and spirit on and off the field each year, titled the “Joe Goodman Award for Mental Attitude and Toughness”. Goodman served on the National Federation of Football Rules Committee from 1982-87 and was the Midwest National High School Football Chairman from 1981-87 and last winter, Goodman was one of the inaugural members of the Seymour High School Athletics Hall of Fame. In July 2018, Goodman was presented the Bob Springer President’s Award by the IFCA, which honors individuals who have been dedicated to contributing to the success of football in the state of Indiana. This past September, Goodman was honored during Cancer Awareness Night during a Seymour football game, where he received an Owl Service Award for his outstanding and lasting dedication to the teaching and coaching of students and athletes of Seymour Community Schools.
Goodman was a long-time member of The First Baptist Church in Seymour, where he was a deacon, an avid member of the choir and a member of the Friendship Class (in which he often taught Sunday School lessons). He was also member and chair of many boards and committees including the Trustees Board at First Baptist.
After retiring from coaching in 2003, Goodman enjoyed time spent outdoors in his yard and time spent on his boat and he relished traveling the country with his wife Sharon to see their son who continues to perform in theatres across the United States as well as his daughter-in-law, Jenny, a professor at Indiana University. He cherished time spent with friends and coaching colleagues from around the state and remained an active member of the coaching fraternity until his death. A devoted and loving husband and a loyal and caring father, Goodman leaves behind a legacy of teaching, coaching and mentorship to countless young men and women. His love of his family and his “football family” never dwindled and his lasting impact on his community will be remembered for years and years to come.
Funeral services will be conducted by Voss & Sons Funeral Service at First Baptist Church on Saturday, November 17 at 1 pm with Rev. Bruce Cochran officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery.
Family and friends may call at Voss & Sons Funeral Service on Friday from 2-8 pm and Saturday at First Baptist Church from 10 am until time of service.
Memorials may be written to The Indiana Football Coaches Association or Don and Dana Myers Cancer Center, in care of Voss & Sons Funeral Service.
Online condolences may be given on the funeral home website at www.vossfuneralservice.com.

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