In Memory Of
Gerald "Jerry" Goodell
1932
2022
Gerald "Jerry" Goodell
July 31, 1932 — February 23, 2022
Gerald "Jerry" Goodell, 89, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022. He was born July 31, 1932, in Topeka, the son of Lester Goodell and Thelma Wilson Goodell. He graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a Juris Doctor, and a Honorary Doctor of Law. He was married to Sue Goodell from June 12, 1954, until her passing on December 8, 2012. He had two children who survive - David Alan Goodell (Cheryl) of Greer, South Carolina, and Amy Lynn Snyder (Darrel) of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Jerry had a distinguished career practicing law for over fifty years. He was senior partner in the Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds and Palmer firm for much of this time. He was recognized as a leader in the field of real estate law by The Best Lawyers in America.
Mr. Goodell's leadership has touched numerous organizations, including roles as president of the Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association, president of the Washburn Law School Foundation, chairperson of Washburn Endowment Association, president of the Kansas Bar Association, president of the Topeka Bar Association, chairperson of the Kansas Board of Bar Examiners, member of the Kansas Judicial Council, chairman of the Kansas Judicial Council Probate Committee, and a member of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.
Washburn University School of Law honored him with the 1982 Alumni Distinguished Service Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He also was the recipient of the Kansas Bar Association's Distinguished Service Award in 1993, and the Topeka Bar Association's Warren Shaw Award in 1998. In 2007, Mr. Goodell received the Justice Award from the Kansas Supreme Court.
Jerry was a member of Central Congregational Church for the majority of his life. He was an active member of the Optimist Club. He served on the board of directors of many Topeka-based non-profit organizations. He had a deep love of jazz music for his entire life. He was a founding member of the Topeka Jazz Workshop serving as president for many years and was recently designated Director Emerita.
In consideration of the current COVID epidemic and out of an abundance of caution, a memorial service will be postponed until a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's name can be made to TJW, Inc., P.O. Box 452, Topeka, Kansas, 66606 or Washburn University School of Law, 1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, Kansas, 66621.
To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.
Jerry had a distinguished career practicing law for over fifty years. He was senior partner in the Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds and Palmer firm for much of this time. He was recognized as a leader in the field of real estate law by The Best Lawyers in America.
Mr. Goodell's leadership has touched numerous organizations, including roles as president of the Washburn University School of Law Alumni Association, president of the Washburn Law School Foundation, chairperson of Washburn Endowment Association, president of the Kansas Bar Association, president of the Topeka Bar Association, chairperson of the Kansas Board of Bar Examiners, member of the Kansas Judicial Council, chairman of the Kansas Judicial Council Probate Committee, and a member of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.
Washburn University School of Law honored him with the 1982 Alumni Distinguished Service Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He also was the recipient of the Kansas Bar Association's Distinguished Service Award in 1993, and the Topeka Bar Association's Warren Shaw Award in 1998. In 2007, Mr. Goodell received the Justice Award from the Kansas Supreme Court.
Jerry was a member of Central Congregational Church for the majority of his life. He was an active member of the Optimist Club. He served on the board of directors of many Topeka-based non-profit organizations. He had a deep love of jazz music for his entire life. He was a founding member of the Topeka Jazz Workshop serving as president for many years and was recently designated Director Emerita.
In consideration of the current COVID epidemic and out of an abundance of caution, a memorial service will be postponed until a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's name can be made to TJW, Inc., P.O. Box 452, Topeka, Kansas, 66606 or Washburn University School of Law, 1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, Kansas, 66621.
To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald "Jerry" Goodell, please visit our flower store.
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