James D. Godfrey

TOPEKA, Kan. -- James Dean Godfrey died Wednesday (Jan. 26, 2005) at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Topeka, Kan.

He was born March 6, 1927, to James and Goldie (Johnson) Godfrey in rural Selden. He was raised in Selden and attended country school there. He graduated from Selden High School.

He served in the Navy during World War II.

On Oct. 1, 1950, he married Luella Gaines in Oberlin. He was a farmer. In the late 1980's he moved to Topeka.

He was a member of the Methodist church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant child; and great-grandson, Tristan Wessel.

Survivors include his son, Marvin Godfrey and wife, Charlotte of Whitewater, Kan.; daughter, Lola Wessel and husband, George of Selden; sister, Jeanne Henson of Bel Vista, Ark.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services are Tuesday, 11 a.m., at Pauls Funeral Home in Selden with the Rev. Doug Hasty officiating. Interment will be in Selden Cemetery.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m., and Tuesday until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Pauls Funeral Home of Selden is in charge of the arrangements.