ARNELL GODWIN

BURFORDVILLE -- Arnell Franklin Godwin, 80, of Burfordville died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1998, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis.

He was born June 11, 1918, at Jackson, the son of Gayle and Paralee R. Foster Godwin. He and Helen Niswonger were married on Aug. 4, 1940. She preceded him in death on Jan. 21, 1988. He and Geneva Brown Pingel were married June 17, 1989.

Godwin graduated from Jackson High School in 1936 where he was a center on the undefeated team of 1936.

During World War II, he was a member of the 149th Combat Engineers of the U.S. Army. He was involved in the invasion of Omaha Beach.

He was employed with LaPierre-Sawyer Handle Factory. He retired from the International Shoe Factory in 1980 after 41 years of employment.

He was a member of the New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson. He was also a member of American Legion Post #158 Altenthal-Joerns of Jackson.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Wayne Godwin of Jackson; a daughter, Gaitha Athans of San Diego, Calif.; three stepdaughters, Carolyn Pingel of Burfordville, Mary McMahon of St. Peters and Nancy Caldejon of Perryville; two brothers, Bill Godwin of Cape Girardeau and Murrell Godwin of Festes; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren and six stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister.

Friends may call at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 - 8 p.m. today. American Legion Honor Guard service will be at 7 p.m.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the New McKendree United Methodist Church. The Rev. Scott Lohse and the Rev. Richard Northcutt will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park.