Russell Dean Goad, 68, of Rensselaer, passed away Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis. He was born in Lafayette on February 8, 1949, the son of Harold Goad and Bertha (Eaton) Goad. He attended school in Rensselaer and went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

Upon returning from the service, Russ went to work for Herb Arihood at Arihood Tire Market. He also worked for Ready Mix Concrete in Rensselaer. He moved to California and worked as a shipbuilder for NASSCO in San Diego for many years prior to returning to Rensselaer.

Russ was a member of American Legion Post #29. He loved racing and enjoyed watching NASCAR and Formula One. He worked on racecars for a local dirt track racing team. He was a talented mechanic who loved working on cars, and even built his own car and truck. He also enjoyed mowing his yard and watching golf and football.

On July 25, 2008, in Rensselaer, he married Carolyn Montgomery Goad. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children: Stacie Baugh (husband: Gary) of Indiana, Shaun Goad (wife: Jamie) of Virginia, and Michael Goad of California; two brothers, Larry Goad (wife: Pam) of Tennessee and Harold Goad, Jr. of Rensselaer; one sister, Sherry Goad-Picking (husband: Dennis) of Rensselaer; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Harold and Bertha Goad; and one sister, Myra Carroll.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 2-7 p.m. (CDT) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.