Willard Clayton Goldman

     Willard Clayton Goldman, age 84, of Bannister, MI, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, at University of Michigan Health–Sparrow in Lansing.
     A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Willard is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior and reunited with his beloved wife, Marilyn. His family finds deep comfort and confidence in the fact that he trusted Christ as his Savior in his early 20s. Especially since his wife’s death eight years ago, Willard experienced great joy and contentment in daily life through his relationship with the Lord.
     Willard was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 5, 1940, the son of William and Wauneta (Shinew) Goldman. He grew up on the family farm near Bannister—a place he treasured throughout his life and was proud to see recently recognized as an official Centennial Farm. He attended school in Bannister through eighth grade and graduated from Ashley High School. Later that same year, he began working as an apprentice tool and die maker at General Motors in Lansing, where he remained for 30 years until his retirement.
      On March 7, 1959, Willard married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jean Long, in Bannister, MI. After a short stay in a trailer on Marilyn’s family farm, they moved to Lansing and later settled in St. Johns, where they raised their two children and became members of First Baptist Church.
     Willard loved working with his hands and spending time outdoors. Whether tending to his flower and vegetable gardens or working the fields of the family farm, he found joy in simple, steady work and the serenity, peace, and beauty of rural life. He had a passion for music and a love for collecting things like guitars and grandfather clocks. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children.
     He is survived by his daughter Lori (Carl) Kresge of Grand Rapids, MI; his son Martin Goldman of Bannister, MI; and six grandchildren: Sarah (Jonathan) Culver, Rachel (Timothy) VandenToorn, Angela (Benjamin) Thocher, Jollene (Jason) Tzafaroglou, Jessica (Noel) Smith, and Matthew (Amber) Goldman. He is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Wauneta Goldman; his wife, Marilyn; his brothers: Bill Goldman and Bob Goldman; and his sister, Diane Bates.
     A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church of St. Johns on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., until the time of the service at the church. Light refreshments will be served afterward. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elba Twp., MI, at a later date.
     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.