John Lewis Goddard

John Lewis Goddard passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

John was born on March 4, 1950 in LaFollette, TN to James and Edna Goddard. He was a Member of New Harvest Church in London, KY. John spent 28 dedicated years working at Crown Cork and Seal before retiring. But John’s true gift was his knack for fixing just about anything—with skill, creativity, and often a generous helping of duct tape. John loved family and to him those he considered family were just as important as blood relatives. His wife, kids and grandbabies were his life, well right behind his dog, Hank. 

John loved his family deeply and never missed an opportunity to make memories with them—especially on family vacations to the beach. Whether sharing tall tales during “pirate time” at the beach house or helping navigate a rental boat (and famously learning “we aren’t boat people”), John brought laughter and connection wherever he went.

He also had a sharp wit and a big heart. As Madix once told Jordan, “Sometimes Papaw will give you half of his sandwich, and sometimes he’s just an asshole.” That perfect mix of generosity, honesty, and humor pretty much summed him up—and the family wouldn’t have had it any other way.

John had a big heart and a deep sense of responsibility for the people he loved. He always made sure those around him were taken care of and would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need—no questions asked. That kind of selfless love defined him just as much as his humor and storytelling.

 In addition to his parents,  he was preceded in death by siblings, Leroy, Betty Jane, Brenda and Marie.

He leaves behind his wife of 39 years , Haley Diane Goddard; four children, Nicholas Goddard and wife Emily,  Katie Burke and husband Jeremy, Andy Fields and wife Kayla, and Carrie Ann Medford siblings, James, Glena, Wanda, Mona, and Sue. Survivors also include 14 grandchildren, Kenzie and Jacob Goddard; Kobe Burke, Zavier Brown, Jordan Simpson, Averie Burke, Tate Simpson, Nora ,Wyatt, and Leo Burke, Aubree, Dusten, Madix and Skyleigh Fields and of course his loyal friend, Hank.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 3:00 pm Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Redemption Church in London, Kentucky with memorial service to follow. 

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