Clenton Goad

Clenton Goad, age 94, went home to be with his Lord, peacefully in his Charlotte home, on December 18, 2019. Clenton was born in Sycamore, KY, on August 19, 1925, to George and Maude Goad, and had six brothers growing up.  He joined the U.S. Navy on September 25, 1942, in Norfolk, VA, at the age of 17, and was an important veteran of World War II, serving as an aviation machinist mate 3rd class on the aircraft carrier USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60), eventually capturing the now famous German U-Boat submarine U505, with the respected “Hunter-Killer” Task Force.  The captured U505 was eventually moved to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, where it remains today.
After serving his country in the Navy, he lived in the South for many years, where he had six daughters and one son from a previous marriage. He married Shirley Ann Darling on January 22, 1966. He was an honest, hard-working man, working for Motor Wheel Corporation in Lansing as a foundryman for 15 years. Shirley recounts “he always put me and his kids first and was a steadfast, good provider.” When not working, Clenton is remembered as a devoted family man. He also had a passion for maintaining his properties, had large vegetable gardens and could fix about anything. He is remembered for his bright sense of humor, always wearing a smile and his positive outlook, plus being a world-class “picker” to his friends and family, always in love. He revered George Jones’ music, ate raw onions like apples, and his favorite meal was pinto beans, cornbread and buttermilk — a clear tribute to being a true southern gentleman.
His children are Tony Goad, Nona Irwing, Judy Bryant (Jerry), Cynthia Brown (David), Tanna Wermes (Jack), Wanda Petty (deceased), Wendy Masterson (Lynn), Michael Goad (Pablo), Alicia Crawley (Jimmie), Deborah Kerns (Tony), Shelly Van Belle (Dirk) and also many grand-, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place per his wishes. A memorial service is anticipated to occur in late spring or summer 2020, with expected internment at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI, at that time.  The family would like to thank the at-home associates and staff at the Battle Creek VA for years of devoted care and the in-home Hospice folks from Sparrow Health System for their nurturing care. In lieu of flowers or remembrances, the family suggests any desired donations be made to your local Hospice organization.