Robert G. Godsey

Robert G. Godsey, 89, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017 at the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s.  Robert was born on August 18, 1927 in Richmond, IN to the late Isaac L. and Emma M. (Henley) Godsey.  In 1949, he married Lavona Reece, later he married Lois Carlson, who preceded him in death in 2002.  On March 26, 2004 in South Bend, IN he married Martha Bernauer, who survives. 

In addition to his wife, Martha, Robert is survived  by his daughters, Gail (Gordon) Miller of Richmond, IN, Karen (Doug) Elmore of Norman, OK, and Sulyn Godsey (Jack Stefferud) of Birdsboro PA; sons, Gregg (Janet Katz) Godsey of Spokane, WA and David (Janet McAlpin) Godsey of Seattle, WA; stepdaughters, Marie (David) Dengate of Westcliff, CO and Susan Carlson (Maggie Clarke) of Kalamazoo, MI; fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Mae Walker; brother, Lemoine (“Blacky”) Godsey; stepson, Richard Carlson and his Siamese cat companion of nearly 20 years, Samantha.  

Robert was the owner/operator of State Farm Insurance Company in Bremen, retiring in 1992 after 25 years.  He served as District Manager for many years and was a Charter Life Underwriter.  He was a member of the Kiwanis since 1963, serving as President of the Bremen Kiwanis and Lt. Governor of Kiwanis Land of Lakes Division.  As a member of Kiwanis, he mentored children for the Hay School Project for 15 years.  He was a member of the Writers’ Group of the Mishawaka Library and authored a biography of his father, “Ike”.  Robert was a Director of the American Friends Service Committee in Indiana and Kentucky, Associate Business Manager for Earlham College, and Director of Richmond Housing Authority.  He was a member of the Michiana Male Chorus and the St. Paul’s Choir.  He was also a member of the St. Paul’s Hand Bell Choir.  Robert proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s, 3602 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN.  Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s.  Chaplain Carole McCollester will officiate.  A luncheon will follow the service.  Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel and Southlawn Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. 

Contributions in memory of Robert may be made to Earlham College, 801 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374.

Online condolences may be made to the Godsey family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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