"Martha and family---please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you weather this change. Memories are yours forever, hold on to those! :) Blessings and comfort to you. ~Sandra Wade and family"
In loving memory of
Oliver J. Godfrey
December 18, 1921 - November 14, 2008
Upland: Oliver J. Godfrey, 86, died at 10:29 p.m. Friday at Marion General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born in Galion, Ohio the son of the late Roger and Alma (Miller) Godfrey. He was a 1940 graduate of Galion High School, and furthered his education as a graduate of Deforest in Chicago. He was a WW II veteran of the Army serving from 1942 -1946. Dorothy, his first wife preceded him in death in 1960. His son, David also died in 1976. He married Jean (Knowles) Nov. 28, 1964 in Lansing, Mich. They made their home in Upland where Oliver had moved in 1962. Mr. Godfrey enjoyed his various leadership roles in Boy Scouts of America He was also a former member of the Upland Lions Club, Upland Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President from 1986 - 1988. He always enjoyed making sure the Christmas lights were ordered and ready for the holiday. He was a member of the Upland Community Church. Prior to his retirement in 1984, he had been employed with North Electric, Galion (1941-1960), Tower Equipment Special Products, Galion, (1960), C.G. Printing, (Chenoweth, Godfrey), Reynoldsberg, Ohio. He served as director of the print shop at both Taylor University, and Anderson College. He also worked at United Brethren Publishing and most recently had owned Freese Printing and the General Shopper. He enjoyed flying, holding a pilot's license since 1946. His first plane he named "Humbug the 4th". He also enjoyed photography, and radio. Survivors include his wife, Jean; two daughters, Jean Klemczewski, and Martha Godfrey, both of Upland; two grandchhildren, Heather (Mike) Ihnen Marlow, Alex (Katie) Ihnen; and one great granddaughter, Lucy Ihnen. A sister, Martha, preceded him in death. Memorial donations may be made to the Upland Community Church, Gideon's International, or Taylor University Class of 1950 Scholarship Fund, 239 W. Reade Ave., Upland, 46989. Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 Upland Community Church 436 W. Berry Ave. Upland, Indiana Officiating: Dr. Jay Kesler, Rev. Bob Heilshorn Graveside Service: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2008 Fairview Cemetery Galion, Ohio Online condolences may be made at www.jones-smithfuneralhome.com Visitation: 4-8 p.m. Monday Jones-Smith Funeral Home 259 N. Main Street Upland, In 46989: also 10:00 a.m. Tuesday prior to the service at the church.
Tributes
"Dear Godfrey family, I am praying for you as you remember and celebrate the life of Mr. Godfrey. I am thankful for having known him. For the many visits to your home, your warm hospitality and his joyful person. Please know you will be my prayers and thoughts. Love Bonnie Houser Eggers"
"Dear Martha: So very sorry to learn of the passing of your father. Your memories will keep him close in your heart for now and always. Our most sincere condolences to your family during this difficult period in your lives."
"Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of Oliver. He was a great neighbor, a good man and will be missed by all who knew him. We will keep you all in our prayers. Ted and Luana Myers"
"Martha there are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Martha, I am so sorry for your loss.You and your Mom and Dad are just special people and will be in my thoughts always. Love Lori's Mom"
"I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We will be praying for your family during this time."
"Words seem to slip by me now, but I want you to know that I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Martha, your dad was an awesome man. He was so kind and welcoming whenever I stopped by. The few times Don had the chance to visit with him he loved to hear your dad talk about his military experience. There are times he brings up those stories in our day-to-day conversation. Your dad touched many lives and gave everyone of us a glimpse of God's goodness. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you say so long on Earth and Heaven gets a new member. Love you, Don, Meleita, and Kamrein"
"Mrs. Godfrey, Jean, and Martha, We are so sorry for your loss and are praying for you. We love you. the Hoeksemas"
"Mrs Godfrey-You were my teacher at washington elementary. I am sorry for your loss,I know you will miss him. God is taking care of him now he is healthy and looking down at you proud as can be. My nana(kathy Brown) helped me with this. I miss you! Zackery Pruitt"