Obituary of Melvin E. Goodearl

Melvin E. Goodearl, age 92, formerly of Lewiston, died Monday May 16, 2011, in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Residence in Lewiston, surrounded by his family and the caring staff of Our Lady of Peace. Melvin was born October 1, 1918 in Dover, NH, the son of the late William A. and Susan (Holland) Goodearl. He was a graduate of Braintree High School in Braintree, MA, and received an A.A.S. from Bentley School of Business. A Veteran of WW II, Melvin served in the U.S. Army from February of 1942 to September of 1945 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon. Assigned to the Headquarters Battery of the 275th Field Artillery Battalion, Melvin took part in the Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, Southern France, Central Europe, and Rhineland battles and campaigns. After his discharge he married Harriet (Small) Goodearl in October of 1945. They moved to Lewiston in 1960 where Melvin was the first Manager of the Lewiston Branch of Permanent Bank. He retired in 1984 as an Assistant Vice President of the bank. His wife Harriet, predeceased him 1984. In 1988 he married Mabel (Lohomes Riggs) Goodearl and moved to Massachusetts and returned to Niagara Falls, NY. in 2005. Mabel died in 2005. Melvin was a member and very active in the former Lewiston Baptist Church, now known as the United Baptist Christian Church. He was an active member and Past President of the Lewiston-Queenston Rotary International and enjoyed bowling in the Protestant Interchurch League at Frontier Lanes in Lewiston. He is survived by three sons, Melvin E. (Phyllis) Goodearl of Lake Mary, FL, Glenn W. (Patricia) Goodearl of Royal Palm, FL, and Gordon A. (Bernadette) Goodearl of Niagara Falls, NY; 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 3 step children, 12 step grandchildren, and a honorary granddaughter; and a sister, Doris Sawler of Braintree, MA. He was predeceased by a brother, Ralph Goodearl and a sister, Eleanor Sawler. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 11, at the United Baptist Christian Church, 4800 Creek Rd., Lewiston. A Memorial Service will follow at noon, with the Rev. Bette Bond officiating. There will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the United Baptist Christian Church, 4800 Creek Rd., Lewiston, NY 14092. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston.