Jeff Goodin, explorer of life's great mysteries, took his final cosmic bike ride on November 2, 2025, at the age of 61. While we are left down here scratching our heads, Jeff now knows the truth about Bigfoot, aliens, ghosts, and the afterlife – and we imagine he's grinning ear to ear with the answers.

Born on December 9, 1963, in Hartford City, Indiana to Elma (Snyder) Goodin and Edward (Jack) Goodin, Jeff never lost his childlike curiosity. Whether it was a weird sound in the woods or a strange light in the sky, he was always ready with a theory and usually a good laugh. He believed the world was full of magic, and if you spent any time with him, you'd start to believe too. Jeff never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anybody. He always had a good joke or story to share.

Jeff was happiest when he was outdoors biking his favorite trails, breathing fresh air and sharing stories that somehow blended science, mystery, and pure mischief. He was passionate about exploring and taught his children from a young age that people were meant to explore and love nature. We all have wonderful memories of Jeff's "Hobo Camps". Jeff was the most amazing grandpa and made sure that each of his grandsons could ride a bike and would take them to trails all over the state of Missouri to ride. While Jeff had several jobs throughout his life, his favorite by far was being a bus aide for special needs and disabled children, where he met many unofficial "grandkids" that he cared for: a true testament to his caring, loving nature. He had a knack for making people laugh until they couldn't breathe, and his quick wit was only matched by his kindness and generosity, and his deep love for his family. While he loved his human family, he loved his fur family nearly as much. They were always well fed, often too well fed to the chagrin of his family. There is comfort knowing that Bert was waiting for him on the other side, ready to snatch a sandwich.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 35 years Joann (Duggan) Goodin, son Kyle Goodin, his wife Cindy and their two sons Jensen and Jude, his daughter Valarie (Goodin) Bondoni her husband John and their sons Vincent, Rocco, and Leo, his son Trent and his wife Ali (Sinkula) Goodin and their son Bennett, and his son Jack Goodin and his fiancé Tasha Thomas. Jeff will be missed by his sister Sherry (Goodin) Greenman, brother Ed Goodin (Lorna), brother Mark Goodin (Annette), his mother-in-law and father-in-law Arlene and Pat Duggan, his sisters-in-law Patsy Duggan (Sarah) and Shelly (Duggan) Williams as well as many nieces and nephews. Jeff had a significant impact on the lives of not only his immediate family but also on others he and Joann took into their hearts and their home.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held on Sunday May 24, 2026, at the family Barn. In remembrance of Jeff take a ride down your favorite trail, tell a wild story and laugh hard – because that is exactly what Jeff would have wanted.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.