Billie "BILL" Carl Goforth

Billlie Carl Goforth, known to all as Bill, of St. Clair, Missouri, departed this life on September 28, 2024, at the age of 89 years, 11 months, and 8 days. Born October 20, 1934 in Williamsville, Missouri to Beaulah Goforth and raised in the home of his grandmother, Martha Goforth nee Jones. On June 18, 1955, he was united in marriage to Mabel Louise Spence known to all as Louise. He had four children. Bill is survived by three children, Mark Goforth of St. Clair, Ben Goforth of Lake Lotawana, and by Molly Shaffar and husband, Michael, of St. Clair; by six grandchildren, Devon Goforth of St. Clair, Ethan Goforth of Washington, MO, Hannah Goforth of Lee Summit, MO, Tessa Twitty of Union, MO, and Brandi and Heather Goforth of Sacramento, CA; by four great-grandchildren, Michael and Orion Goforth of Sacramento and Gabriel Bishop of Union, and Avery Gieseke of Lee’s Summit, MO; by two sisters-in-law , Kathy Wibert of Henderson, KY, and Bonnie Farmer and husband, Gary, of Poplar Bluff, MO; by nieces and nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Louise Goforth, grandmother Martha Goforth, mother Beulah Baldwin; and by one son, Samuel Goforth. Bill was a Christian and lifelong devoted member of the United Methodist Church of St. Clair, MO. He was a Sunday school teacher with his wife Louise for many years, and had served the church for more than sixty years. After graduating high school, he attended college at Southwest Missouri State with a Bachelor in Education for teaching Industrial Arts and later, University of Missouri for a Masters in Education. After graduation and his marriage to Louise, he began his teaching career in St. Clair and never left that school and community. He began by Teaching Industrial Arts (shop) and Driver’s Education, then created the Co-op Education program. He helped countless students begin their careers and maintained relationships with many. He cared for students and cared for many people beyond school age that needed help. Bill and Louise served as foster parents and opened their home to over sixty foster children over a twenty-five year period. He joined the Lion’s Club and spent over fifty years collecting eye glasses and helping provide eye exams and glasses to children. He was also an avid blood donor. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and gardening. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and family. There were many memories created in and around the house that he built in the country. He was a devoted and loving parent to all that came into his care. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Visitation from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with funeral services following at 2:00 PM. There will be no viewing and no graveside service. Memorials are preferred and may be made to the Lion’s Club of St. Clair at P.O. Box 404, St Clair, MO 63077. Interesting facts Bill hitched rides from the bootheel area to Southwest Missouri State for college. He ran the sport concessions for basketball and football games. He was one of the original volunteer ambulance drivers for St. Clair. He always worked small construction jobs as additional work with teaching and later enjoyed working for the HVAC crews at Six Flags. Rhubarb was a favorite garden crop. He made wooden paddles in his shop for teachers when that was allowed…. He was at school in the fire that burned the building. (No injuries.) He was a judge for regional and State industrial arts fairs for many years. Christmas trees were planted and sold at the property for years. He had a large following of hummingbirds every year. When he retired, he was teaching the third generation from his original students.

Billie "BILL" Carl Goforth

October 20, 1934 - September 28, 2024