Craig Endsley Goddard

Craig Endsley Goddard (March 2, 1936 - August 4, 2025)

"The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:25 

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39 

Craig Endsley Goddard, 89, of Bradenton, Florida passed away in the early hours of August 4, 2025. He was born on March 2, 1936 in Grover Hill, Ohio to Doyle and Vera (Endsley) Goddard. From a young age, Craig served the small town of Grover Hill from the family general store, Goddard's Grocery Store, delivering groceries, working behind the counter, and leaving surprise bags of candy on porches at Christmas time. Perhaps this is where he first learned generosity without seeking any of the recognition for it. After graduating from Grover Hill High School, he went on to receive his bachelor's in education from Defiance College, his master's in school administration from Indiana University, and his education specialist degree from the University of Toledo.

On June 16, 1961, Craig married Sandra Jeanne Mohr, a moment he would remember as "the best decision I ever made." In their sixty-four years of marriage, Craig and Sandra were blessed with three children, and simply lived to spoil their six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was the father of Scott (Cheryl) Goddard of Houston, TX, Suzanne (Tyler) Bates of Gibsonburg, OH, and Steve Goddard of Punta Gorda, FL, and the grandfather of Katherine (Jack) Fitzsimmons, Kendall (Sara) Bates, Nathaniel (Gabby) Mucke, Jenna (Zachary) Prather, Alana Bates, and Charlie Goddard. The family enjoyed many years at the cottage on Little Long Lake, where Craig excelled in teaching his children, nieces and nephews, and all their friends to water ski. There truly was "not a single person he could not get up" on the water.

Craig dedicated 30 years of his life to education, and will be remembered for his unassuming commitment and support of both students and faculty. He taught for three years at Convoy Union (now Crestview) High School, where students excelled not by being the smartest kid in the room, but by putting forth their best and most honest effort. He later served as the principal of Riverdale Schools and Lake Elementary for two and six years, respectively. For nineteen years, Craig served as the superintendent of Lake Local Schools before retiring and enjoying many more years with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a much loved member of Bethel United Brethren Church, where he took great joy in sponsoring students of the youth group each summer for their mission trips. Craig will always be remembered by friends and family for his ornery sense of humor and incredibly generous heart.

Craig is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Roger Goddard. In lieu of a service, a private ceremony will be held at a later date to celebrate his life and cherish the memories he leaves behind.

According to the faith we have in Jesus Christ and the resurrection, as Craig would always say to his grandchildren, "See ya later, alligator."

Local arrangements by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory. to share in Craig's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.