Melvyn Dennis Goode

DENNIS'S LIFE STORY Dr. Melvyn Dennis Goode, age 86, left his earthly life on June 3, 2026 at the Atrium Home in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was born on February 18, 1940 in New Albany, Indiana to Delmar and Anita (May) Goode. At the end of World War II, he, with his parents and older sister, Louita, moved to Lamoni, Iowa. Their father had been hired to teach chemistry at Graceland College (now Graceland University). Days after arriving in Lamoni, Denny (as he was called until adulthood) began kindergarten, and remained in Lamoni Community Schools through graduation. Besides loving his science courses, he played football, ran track, and sang in choir and boys’ quartet. Even before his voice changed, his family sang as a quartet – Mom soprano, Denny alto, Louita tenor, and Dad bass. Then when his voice changed, Denny and Louita could switch parts. That experience began a thread of music singing opportunities that lasted nearly the rest of his life. During his two years attending Graceland College, besides continuing the science courses that would become his life-long career, he continued participating in sports and Concert Choir. During summers he tried to gain weight to play guard on the football team, then in winters he lost weight to run on the track team! After finishing his Master’s Degree in radiation biophysics at the University of Kansas, he entered Iowa State University to earn a Ph.D. in cell biology. While there he met an intelligent and talented life partner, Judith Ann Fincham. They were married in the Ames Community of Christ church in 1968. During his 40-year career at the University of Maryland as Professor of Microbiology, (1968 – 2008), he specialized in cell division by using an electron microscope. His research impacted understanding of fetal development, cancer and other conditions related to cell division. Known as Dr. M. Dennis Goode during this time, he published chapters on cell division in various books, and in several periodicals including National Geographic. His position as President of the International Society of Evolutionary Protistology took him to Europe for speeches on the role of molecular biology in evolution. The hours spent with the electron microscope did not take away his love of singing. He regularly sang with the large University of Maryland Chorus, and occasionally with the National Symphony Orchestra Chorus. He was active in the local Washington D.C. congregation of Community of Christ, singing in their choir and teaching an adult Sunday school class. In 1990, Dennis was contaminated with Formaldehyde and Methanol in a massive laboratory spill and developed sensitivity to a wide variety of chemicals. Although this made his life more difficult, in retirement he used it as an opportunity to help others. He and his wife spent almost every day at the National Institutes of Health library, researching the effects of chemicals on the human body. This included research for the Chemical Sensitivity Disorders Association. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Anita Goode of Lamoni, IA.; his wife, Judith Ann; and his brother-in-law, Richard Clothier of Lamoni. He will be missed by his sister, Louita Goode Clothier of Lamoni; niece, Kathleen Clothier Angeroth and her husband Rod, of Council Bluffs, IA.; and nephew, David Russell Clothier of Arlington, VA. A graveside committal service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Lamoni, IA on July 12, at 2:00 p.m. A gathering at the Washington DC congregation of Community of Christ for celebration and remembrance of Dennis is planned on September 26. Memorial donations may be sent to the Washington DC Community of Christ, 3526 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20007,

Melvyn Dennis Goode

February 18, 1940 - June 3, 2026