Col. Daniel W. “Dan” Goddard, 78, of Parsons, current Kansas State Representative of District 7, passed away, Thursday, October 29, 2026 at his home. Born November 3, 1947, in Marinette, Wisconsin, Dan spent his early years on the family farm in Beaver, Wisconsin. He graduated from Coleman High School and went on to earn a degree in Geology from the University of Wisconsin while participating in the ROTC program.
Dan devoted 24 years to the United States Air Force, serving as a pilot, squadron commander, and base commander and retiring at the rank of Colonel. After retiring from the Air Force, Dan began a second career in economic development, serving as director of the Grissom Redevelopment Authority and later the Great Plains Development Authority. During this time, he also owned and operated his own barbecue truck, bringing people together over delicious food.
His commitment to public service eventually led him into politics. He served on the Parsons City Commission from 2015 to 2016 before being elected to the Kansas Senate, representing the 15th District from 2017 to 2021. In 2023, he began serving in the Kansas House of Representatives, where he remained until his death.
Dan had a gift for connecting with people. He never knew a stranger and could just as easily command a room with a speech as make someone feel welcome in a one-on-one conversation. He was genuinely interested in people and had a way of making everyone feel like an old friend.
Wherever life took him, Dan always found room for a garden. An eternal optimist, he planted a little bit of everything each year, only to lament the desiccated state of his garden by mid-July. He canned just about anything that wasn't nailed down and turned his harvest into wonderful meals to share with family and friends. An avid outdoorsman, he also enjoyed hunting and maintained a freezer stocked with venison. Dan found great satisfaction in growing, gathering, preparing, and sharing, especially with those he loved. Above all, Dan cherished his family, especially his grandchildren: Samuel, Marcus, and Amelia Heidenreich, and Mabel Goddard.
Dan is survived by his four children: Kelly (Jeremy) Heidenreich of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Nathaniel (Olimpia) of Highland Park, Illinois; Hunter (Kate) of Shawnee, Kansas; and Sierra (Nick Woolgar) of Rockford, Illinois. He is also survived by his four grandchildren; his sisters, Ellen Cook of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and Nina (Pat) McVeigh of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; and his sister-in-law, Susan Goddard of Crivitz, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Lettie Belle; his stepmother, Lillian; his brother, David; and his brother-in-law, Rick Cook.
Dan's life was filled with service, adventure, and an extraordinary number of connections. He served his country, strengthened communities, and represented the people of Kansas. But just as much of his legacy lives on in the people he welcomed, the meals he shared, the gardens he planted (and occasionally complained about), and the family he loved. He will be remembered for his service and accomplishments, but even more for the people who were fortunate enough to know him.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Shared Faith Community (1500 South 29th St.) in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to Honor Flight Southeast Kansas or Parsons Pathways to Freedom and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357.
