Kenneth “Ken” D. Goad, a lifelong Galesburg resident who served the community as a city alderman, school board member, and civic volunteer, died Friday morning, June 26, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center. He was 88.
Goad was elected alderman for Ward 1 in the City of Galesburg and served from 2007 to 2015. He also served on the Galesburg School District 205 Board of Education from 1984-85 and six years on the City of Galesburg Planning Commission.
Beyond elected office, Goad was active across the community. He served on the Knox County United Way Board, volunteered for the American Red Cross, donated 33 gallons of blood, and served for several years as an election judge for the City of Galesburg. He was a member of United Steelworkers Local 685.
Goad was born Aug. 13, 1937, in Galesburg, and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1956. He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. He worked at Bowman Shoes in Galesburg for eight years and later spent more than 34 years at Gates Rubber Company in Galesburg, retiring February 1, 1999.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Grace M. Goad; one son, Daniel “Dan” E. Goad of Galesburg; and three brothers.
A graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at East Linwood Cemetery.
The full obituary is available at wgil.com.
