Wayne Godwin

Wayne T. Godwin, 76, of Jackson passed away at his home Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.

Wayne was born July 20, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, son of Arnell F. and Helen I. Niswonger Godwin. He and Jeane Adams married March 31, 1982, and renewed their vows Nov. 9, 2020. She survives.

Wayne was a 1965 graduate of Jackson High School. He served during the Vietnam War, having enlisted into U.S. Army on Feb. 14, 1967. He was honorably discharged Oct. 1, 1968. Upon his return from service, he worked as a paramedic for 23 years at Southeast Hospital's Life Beat and Cape Girardeau and Scott County ambulance services. Wayne also worked as a security guard.

He was a member of Cape Girardeau VFW Post No. 3838 and the Excelsior Masonic Lodge No. 441 in Jackson. Wayne had also been active at the Masonic Lodge in New Madrid, Missouri.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, camping, motorcycle riding and most anything involving the outdoors.

His children and grandchildren were the apples of his eye. He always loved spending time with them.

Loving survivors include his wife, Jeane Godwin of Jackson; two children, Marc (Lisa) Godwin of Sikeston, Missouri, and Crystal (Brent) Friedrich of Jackson; two stepsons, Tony (Denise) Bendel of Jackson and David Bendel of Japan; a sister, Gaitha (Steve) Athans of Columbia, Missouri; four grandchildren; eight stepgrandchildren; three great-stepgrandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. A Masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jim Matthews officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute tab of Wayne's obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.