Phillip Goodbinder passed away very peacefully at Menorah Medical Center on Dec. 26 at the age of 86.
He was the son of Earl and Mary (Kesselman) Goodbinder and older brother to his twin siblings, Charles and Charlene Goodbinder.
Phillip was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, graduated from Troost Elementary and Paseo High School and attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. While he was in high school, he performed in many school plays and was in the ROTC. He was very active in Boy Scout Troop 61 at Congregation Beth Shalom, serving on the Wildcat Patrol and as a Troop leader, and was a very proud Eagle Scout and member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. His fondest memories were summers at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation near Osceola, Missouri.
Shortly after high school, he joined the U.S. Army and did six months of active duty, followed by serving in the Army Reserve before meeting the love of his life, Barbara House. They met at one of the Jewish Community Center's young adult programs, where they both were very active participants. They were married during Labor Day weekend on Sept. 3, 1967. They had two children, Aaron and Deborah.
A lifelong salesman, focusing on the insurance industry, Phillip had a passion for movie watching and was an avid reader. He could easily read several books in a week. He enjoyed watching sports on TV, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and the University of Kansas men's basketball and football.
Growing up, he was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom and had his bar mitzvah there. In his young adulthood, his family moved to Kehilath Israel Synagogue, where he was married and was a member until his passing. He was a regular Shabbat worshiper at K.I. and was affectionately named their "official" ark opener for the last many years. He was formerly part of the K.I. Bimah Players and performed in several plays.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mary Goodbinder.
Phillip was a very devoted husband and father, and family meant everything to him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara (House) Goodbinder; son, Aaron Goodbinder; daughter, Deborah Goodbinder (Joel Abecassis); brother, Charles (Susan) Goodbinder; sister, Charlene Goodbinder; plus several nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, and numerous wonderful and caring friends.
Funeral services were held on Dec. 28 at Louis Memorial Chapel (6830 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64131). Burial followed at K.I. Blue Ridge Cemetery (1901 Blue Ridge Blvd., Independence, MO 64052).
Shiva took place in the chapel at K.I. during evening prayer services from Dec. 28 through Jan. 3.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Boy Scout Troop 61 at Congregation Beth Shalom, Kehilath Israel Synagogue, or a charity of your choice.
May Phillip’s memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
