David M. Goodyear, 90, of Russell, Kansas, died on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at his home in Russell, Kansas.

David was born on June 26, 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Phillip K. and Lisa (Meyer) Goodyear.  He grew up on a farm southwest of Wichita and graduated from Wichita High School North in 1939.  After high school he joined the United States Navy working in the aviation repair unit and fought during World War II in the South Pacific.  He was united in marriage to Geneva J. Smith in 1941 and from this union they were blessed with three sons Michael, Kenneth and David.  Geneva preceded David in death on August 1, 1998.  He was united in marriage to Mary (Long) Craig on August 5, 2000 in Russell.  He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, V.F.W. Post #6490 and the American Legion Post #99.

Surviving family include his wife Mary of the home; his three sons Michael Goodyear and wife Kathy of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Kenneth Goodyear and wife Diann of rural Manhattan, Kansas and David P. Goodyear and wife Gretchen of Ft. Scott, Kansas; 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren one stepson Mike Craig of Topeka, Kansas and one step grandson Matt Craig and wife Alissa of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife Geneva, brother Chester and sisters Bernice, Ethel Louise and Phyllis.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastor John Thompson officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with the family present to greet visitors from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M on Monday night.  Memorials may be given to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.