Edwin Phill Goodwin

Edwin Phillip Goodwin was born on May 16, 1936 in Breckenridge, TX. His parents were Russell Craven and Elsie Mae Goodwin. Phill’s love of horses and the “Cowboy Life” came from his family roots and growing up on the family ranch. Russell died when Phill was very young, and in 1944, Elsie married James W. Daughtery, a decorated Navy Recruiting Officer, and moved to Oklahoma City.

Phill spent summers and holidays throughout his childhood traveling back to Breckenridge to spend time with his beloved Mamaw Goodwin and Baw. He was a very responsibly young boy and made these trips alone by Greyhound bus and even flew from Oklahoma City to Dallas. He loved these trips and often said, “I sure wanted to be a cowboy!” Throughout Phill’s life he was known for his beautiful cowboy boots and his well-creased hats. He enjoyed riding, fishing and hunting. He loved nothing better than a campfire, some country music and good conversation.

In the eighth grade, Phill moved to Trent, TX. Where the first question he was asked was “Do you play football?” Phill answered, “Sure, I’m a tackle.” He had never played before. Phill was a natural athlete and went on to become an excellent football player. He was known as one of the best running backs at Trent High School. He was also a sprinter in track and qualified for the State Meet. Because Phill was such a responsible young man, the school hired him to drive a school bus as he lived near one of the routes.

After graduation, Phill attended Cisco College and worked for Dixon Drilling Co. Phill married his high school sweetheart, Ida Y’Vonne Martin in Trent, TX. A promotion with Texas Pacific Oil moved him and his family to Perryton, TX, and later to Oklahoma City. The family returned to Perryton in 1980 when Phill became District Supervisor for Kaiser Francis Oil and served there until his retirement in 2001. Phill was well respected within the community and was known as a responsible, consistent and intelligent man.

Phill’s work ethic was above reproach, but he also loved to have fun and enjoy life. He had a mischievous but quiet personality. Phill was always busy. He instilled in his children the importance of a strong work ethic, and a desire to be active and learn new things. Over his life, he had many hobbies and interests he developed. He was an avid reader and musician (guitar), and enjoyed photography, snow skiing, golf and fishing trips with longtime friends. He was an excellent marksman. Phill participated in High Power Rifle competitions. Some of the competitors dreaded seeing him coming because oh his exceptional markmanship. He was highly rated and won many awards.

Phill was not only active in his hobbies, but he also worked as a volunteer to maintain the Rifle Range at Lake Fryer in Perryton. He was a lifetime NRA member and volunteered yearly at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene.

Phill and Y’Vonne retired to Merkel, TX in 2003. He was active in the Trent United Methodist Church and enjoyed traveling to see his children and grandchildren. Phill even rode a camel in Israel.

Phill was greatly loved by his family. Calm, quiet steadfast and strong, he will be remembered as a good friend and family man that could always be counted on. He never gave advice but was an excellent listener and would help anyone at any time. He was witty and fun to be with.

Those left to cherish his love and memory are his wife: Y’Vonne Goodwin; son: Keith Goodwin and daughter-in-law Cherri Goodwin; daughter: Kelly Goodwin Close and son-in-law Paige Close; daughter: Kristi Goodwin and son-in-law Duane Clark; his grandchildren: Clint Goodwin, Ryan Close, Casey Goodwin, Chris Close, Conner Goodwin, Cameron Close, Garrett Clark and Hannah Clark and one great-granddaughter: Shay Goodwin-Tully.

Phill was reunited in Heaven with his father: Russell Craven Goodwin; mother: Elsie Mae Axe; brother: Russell Goodwin and granddaughter: Keely Goodwin-Groshong.

A public viewing will be held from 8:00am till noon on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel. Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Trent Cemetery with Dr. Warren Dozier officiating. Arrangemtnst are entrusted to Starbuck Funeral Home.