Obituary

Richard Albert Goldsmith

Obituary

Richard Albert Goldsmith, 96, of Green Valley, Arizona, formerly of Newton, passed away quietly on Sunday morning (July 9, 2017). He was married to Marjorie Francis (Briggs), who preceded him in death in 1984. He married Phyllis Watts, of Green Valley, Arizona, who survives. Also surviving are daughter, Jo Anne (Ron) Miller of Pueblo West, Colorado; and son, James Goldsmith, of Houston. A second son, Richard A. Goldsmith, preceded him in death in 2003. He was adored by several step-children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born to James Albert and Elnora Arabelle (Campbell) on Feb. 9, 1921, in Miller, Richard was the second youngest of seven siblings and graduated from Miller High School in 1939. He worked for his father and the Atchison Topeka Santa Fe Railroad until he was drafted into World War II in 1941.

He went to Europe in 1942, in the 95th Infantry, stormed Omaha Beach, participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Bastogne. He marched across Europe, liberating concentration camps, until his return in 1945. He then returned to the Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked his way up to Division Engineer, with his main office located in Newton at the 201 E. 6th St. building, until his retirement in 1986.

Richard (Silver Fox, Goldie, Mr. G.) never knew a stranger. Many in the Newton area knew Mr. Goldsmith. He would dress up like Santa Claus and go deliver goodies at the schools or nursing home, or perhaps he would quietly pick out a needy family and they would be delivered a Thanksgiving dinner. He enjoyed helping the less fortunate. He was truly an angel walking this earth.

He loved to joke and tell stories! He loved to talk to people! His favorites were a nice, hot cup of tea and working in his beautiful garden. Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

"It ain't dyin' I'm talking about - It's LIVIN'" - Augustus McRae

Per Richard's request, there will be no services.