01/20/2026
Albert M. "Mike" Goff
Albert M. “Mike” Goff, age 83, ended his pilgrimage on earth in the early morning of January 19, 2026, and went to see, face-to-face in heaven, the One he had previously only been able to glimpse through the works of His hands on earth — in every deer, bird, insect, leaf, and flower.
He was born on December 28, 1942 to the late Ronald C. and Mary Eva (Fey) Goff. Mike was a graduate of Springfield Local High School in 1960. Following high school, he attended Malone College where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in biology, Purdue University where he obtained his master’s degree in Entomology, and The Ohio State University where he obtained his Ph. D. in Entomology. He and Carolyn met while at Malone College and married shortly after graduation.
His love of teaching took him to a variety of institutions where he taught college biology courses: Ferrum College, VA for 2 years; Ashland University, OH for 2 years; and Indiana Wesleyan University, IN for 32 years. Before he retired from IWU, he developed a reputation as a demanding yet fair instructor. His students honored him with a Teacher of the Year award, and IWU honored his service by commemorating the “Goff Plaza” at his retirement.
His loves were many: fishing, hunting, camping, motorcycling, birding, and playing his dulcimer. He especially loved sharing these activities with his sons and grandsons who cherish these memories as well, and all who joined him in these adventures were blessed. Many who came to know him later in life saw him as the dad they wish they’d had. He was a quintessential teacher whenever anyone else would listen, and a consummate student when he was alone. He never stopped learning, and he never stopped sharing that knowledge – even when his gradebooks had closed. For many of his students, Dr. Goff’s teaching went far beyond the classroom, and these students have stayed in contact throughout the years; these friendships he treasured.
He was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Homeworth, OH. Previously, he had been a member of Perry Baptist Church, Canton OH and Twin City Bible Baptist in Marion, IN where he and his wife were active members for over 30 years. While there he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and a member of the missions committee.
Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James Robert and Ronald Thomas Goff; and sister, Eileen Storms.
Those left to cherish his memories are his wife of over 59 years whom he married August 20,1966, Carolyn Goff; sons, Jeff (Julie) Goff and Scott (Reneé) Goff; sisters, Lois Jean Goff, Maxine (Herb) Hughs, Mary Kay (Shree) Shindore; brother-in-law, Tim Storms; sister-in-law, Jennie Goff; grandsons, Joshua (Grace) Goff, Micah (Emelie) Goff and Nathanael (Karilyn) Goff; granddaughters, Julie Dimas, Ashley, Jewel and Mackenzie Goff; great-grandchildren, Ashton, Aiden, and Abel Dimas, Madilyn Rose Goff, and another great-grandson expected soon; along with various cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 23rd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home, 218 E. Nassau St. East Canton, OH 44730 and also one hour before the service time, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin on Saturday, January 24th at 11:00 a.m. with a burial at Mapleton Cemetery to follow.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mike’s memory are invited to make a memorial donation to Missions at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Malone University’s Chemistry Department, Samaritan’s Purse, or a charity close to your heart.
Arrangements are entrusted to Sanders Funeral Home, 218 E. Nassau St., East Canton, Ohio 44730. Family and friends may offer condolences and share memories at:
sandersfuneralhomes.com
(330) 488-0222
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