Michael Goodnight

Michael Allen Goodnight, age 67, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 7, 1956, in Tipton to his parents, Jackie Lee Goodnight and Buina Bell (Netherton) Goodnight. Mike married Donna Joan (Leap) Goodnight on December 11, 1983, and the two enjoyed 37 years together before Donna passed away in January of 2020.   

Mike was a truck driver for Syndicate Sales and also worked for Overdorf and Bergman Farms. He was a talented guy and enjoyed keeping himself busy tinkering in the garage. Mike worked on cars, but he also enjoyed woodworking, and could make just about anything! He made many benches through the years and donated those to charities. Mike was incredibly giving with his time and helped others as often as he could. He was community minded, and very neighborly. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and found it very rewarding. Mike liked to mow his own yard, but he also mowed the yards of so many folks in Tipton....never asking for a thing in return. Mike’s giving heart earned him the Good Samaritan Award in 2022, a much-deserved honor!  

It goes without saying that Mike had a good heart, but he also had an amazing personality to match. He was almost in constant jokester mode and kept everyone around him laughing and light-hearted. If asked, “How are you?” He’d say, “Fat and sassy & big and ugly!” Or, if asked, “How you feelin?” He’d say, “With my fingers!” He almost always had WWKI playing on the radio, enjoying his throwback country music. More than anything, Mike loved being a father and grandfather. He beamed with pride for all of his kids and considered himself to be very blessed! Mike’s positivity and selfless spirit touched the lives of many, and he will be so greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him!    

Those left to carry on Mike’s legacy of love are his children, Teresa (Michael) Strong of Moss, TN, Diana (Randy) Black of Jacksonville, AR, Michael (Inka) Stacy of Sheridan, IN, Mary (Ted) Heffelmire of Tipton, IN, Adam (Ashley) Goodnight of Anderson, IN, Billie Jo Goodnight of Anderson, IN, Sheila Langolf of Tipton, IN, Jack Goodnight of Tipton, IN, Jessica (Jesse) Ridenour of Tipton, IN; grandchildren, Cody & Matthew Stacy, Callie (Blaze) Langley, Kyle Heffelmire, Shayla Black, Lyle & Ethan, Cici & Bruce Goodnight, Noah & Jasmine Langolf; great grandson, Blayson Langley; siblings, Gary (Betty) Goodnight, Ruby Ann Goodnight, Theresa Goodnight; sisters-in-law, Melinda Goodnight, Peggy Leap; brother-in-law, John (Sharon) Knapp; as well as many nieces, nephews cousins and amazing friends.

Mike was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Jackie & Buina Goodnight; wife, Donna Goodnight; siblings, Gene Goodnight, Rick Goodnight, Carolyn Goodnight and Martha Goodnight.  

Out of respect for Mike’s wishes, there will be no formal services held. Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Goodnight family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Mike with his family on his tribute wall.  

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