Mr. Kenneth “Ken” D. Goad, 88, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 5:26 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
He was born on August 13, 1937, in Galesburg, to Miles N. and Hazel M. (Coffey) Goad. He married Grace M. Sargent on May 22, 1960, in Galesburg.
Surviving is his wife of 66 years, Grace M. Goad of Galesburg; one son, Daniel “Dan” E. (Hope) Goad of Galesburg; and three brothers, Robert M. Goad of Galesburg, Marvin L. Goad of Birmingham, Alabama, and James P. “Jim” Goad of West Lafayette, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Goad, Shirley Goad, and Sally Goad.
Ken 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 worked for Gates Rubber Company in Galesburg for 34½ years, retiring on February 1, 1999. Following his retirement, he worked for the Salvation Army Thrift Store and later was a driver for City Select Motors and Galesburg Toyota.
Ken was of the Baptist faith and was a lifelong resident of Galesburg who remained very active in his community. He served three years on the Galesburg School District #205 Board of Education, on the Knox County United Way Board, and six years on the City of Galesburg Planning Commission. He was a member of United Steelworkers Local #685, volunteered for the American Red Cross, was a 33-gallon blood donor, and served for several years as an election judge for the City of Galesburg. Ken was elected alderman for Ward 1 in the City of Galesburg and served from 2007 to 2015.
As Ken requested, cremation will be accorded. A graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at East Linwood Cemetery. Rev. Rick Warren and Pastor. Dorothy Lam will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Galesburg Rescue Mission, Moody Bible Institute, or Moose Charities, Mooseheart, Illinois.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
