SPARTA – John W. Goddard, 77, of Sparta, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at his home in Sparta, Illinois.

John was born May 13, 1943 in Pinckneyville, Illinois, the son of William and Mildred Bernice (Macke) Goddard.  He married Linda M. Craig on May 20, 1967, at Loyalty Missionary Baptist Church in Sparta, IL.  John was a member of Loyalty Missionary Baptist Church in Sparta, IL., and was a member of the U.S. Army during peacetime.  He had retired from Dorma in Steeleville, IL.

John is survived by his wife, Linda M. Goddard of Sparta, IL, Children; Laura (Lonnie) Owens of Athens, AL, Michael D. Goddard of Sparta, IL, and Richard (Lisa) Goddard of Sparta, IL., Ten Grandchildren and Four Great Grandchildren, Brothers; Ron Goddard of Marion, KY. and Edward Schwartz of Sparta, IL.

John was preceded in death by his Parents.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at Loyalty Missionary Baptist Church in Sparta with Reverend Tom Foster officiating.  Burial will follow at Cutler Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 5 to 8pm and on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 9 to 11am, at Loyalty Missionary Baptist Church, Sparta, IL.  By executive orders, facemask and social distancing guidelines will be required.  Memorials may be given to Loyalty Missionary Baptist Church.  To sign the guestbook visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net .