Charles Goodknight

Charles "Charlie", Augusta Goodknight, 75, returned to his heavenly home on August 5, 2015 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Charlie was born to the late Charles and Alvina Goodknight, in Caney, Kansas on September 24, 1939. Alvina later married John, M Greer who Charlie deeply loved and respected and lovingly considered him to be his father and latter "Pappy" to the Goodknight grandchildren. He was involved in Future Farmers of America and Future Business leaders at an early age. Charlie honorably served in the Kansas Army National Guard as a reservist for four years and attended Independence Community College and Pittsburg State University studying business and accounting. Deciding college was not for him Charlie returned home to Neodesha, KS and began working for MEC Corporation where he quickly progressed up the career ladder, and later owned multiple manufacturing businesses throughout his career.
Charlie was blessed with a large and loving family. He married Glenda, Joyce Kurth on November 8, 1963 in Independence, KS and became the adoptive father of Rhonda Dee Goodknight. Their family was complete following the birth of their son Charles Alan Goodknight "Hoss" on January 10, 1965. From the very beginning Charlie was committed to providing a comfortable life for his family and ensuring his children were raised with patience, discipline and humility. Charlie and Glenda spent thirty four years raising their family and traveling prior to their divorce in 1997. He later met and married Joan Wiggins Swyers on November 27, 1999 and called Independence KS home.
Charlie was an avid racecar enthusiast throughout his life. He began racing cars himself at a young age in Caney, KS and spent the remainder of his life faithfully following NASCAR and his most beloved driver Dale Earnhardt Senior. If he wasn't watching NASCAR and sport highlights on ESPN in his lazy boy recliner he could be found playing golf or sitting in the stands cheering on Kansas State University Wildcats. He was kind and soft-spoken, and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.
Charlie is survived by his beautiful wife, Joan Wiggins Goodknight; his son Charles Alan (Hoss) Goodknight (Adrienne) of Manassas, Virginia; his daughter Rhonda Dee Goodknight of Tulsa, OK; his stepsons Curtis Swyers (Janice) and Andrews Swyers of San Antonio TX, and Steven Swyers (Lesa) of Austin TX; his grandchildren Alexander, Nash and Margeaux Naiefe of Sapulpa OK; Austin, Wyatt and Jackson Goodknight of Manassas, VA. His step grandchildren Ray, Kendra, Caleb, Kyle, Deven and Haylee Swyers all of TX; Meredith Gray (Nathan) of Little Rock AK; Cody Haynes of Spokane, Washington, and two great-great step grandchildren Liam and Owen Gray. Niece Connie Burkhead and her sons Stephen (Sarah) and Freddy Burkhead of Neodesha KS and nephew, John Hare (Deanna) and their daughter Allison Hare of Hope Mills, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles Harold Goodknight, Alvina and John Grere; Sister, Norma Jean Hare; Half-brother, Larry Goodknight; Nephew-in-law, Bruce Burkhead, and his first wife Glenda Goodknight.
The family will receive visitors Monday evening August 10th from 6-8 P.M. at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory located in Independence, KS. Charlie will be buried at the Neodesha Cemetery at 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday August 11th followed by a memorial service at the first Presbyterian Church in Independence at 10:30 A.M. with a reception to follow at the Church. Reverend John Wilson will officiate the service. The family request that monetary donations in lieu of flowers be sent to First Presbyterian Church or Independence AWOL Humane Society. Arrangements by Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.

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