John Godwin

John E. Godwin, 85, of Jackson died Tuesday, May 13, 2003, at Monticello House in Jackson.

He was born Aug. 3, 1917, in Jackson, son of John A. and Esther Abernathy Godwin. He and Lillian Probst were married May 10, 1946.

Godwin was a member of the 1936 Jackson High School State Championship basketball team.

He worked at the former International Shoe Co. in Jackson from 1946 to 1966, then worked at Wib's Drive-In from 1966 to 1988 while also driving a bus for Jackson R-2 School District.

Godwin was a member of American Legion Post 158, First Baptist Church and its Adult Sunday School Class.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946, and then served 36 years in the National Guard 1140th Engineer Battalion, retiring in 1982.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Terry Godwin of Jackson; a daughter, Brenda Holder of Lake Mary, Fla.; a sister, Gannelle Gray of St. Louis; and a granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Russell Heights Cemetery, with the Rev. Rocky Tallent officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Missouri Military Honors Service.

McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.