John Edgar Godfrey, much-loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, died at home on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, following a valiant battle with advanced cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Janis Letourneau; his daughters, Kristine Hunt (Duane) and Terri Garrett (Vic); stepsons, Phillip and Michael Letourneau (Kelly and Beth); and grandchildren and stepgrandchildren, Jeffrey and Kevin Cohen (Amanda and Cori), Brittany Chow (Stephen), Troy Garrett (Darby), James, Byrde and John Conrad; and a great-granddaughter, Amelia.
Known by a variety of affectionate titles, his favorites were Dad, Grandpa Johnny, Gaga and G.G. Johnny. He lived his 82 years to their fullest, making friends until his final days.
Born in rural Parsons, John grew up on a working farm and cattle ranch. He attended a one-room country school until eighth grade, often riding there by horseback. He graduated from Labette County High School at 16 and met his future wife, Sharon, shortly thereafter; they were married for 40 years. His schoolmates from his rural schoolhouse and county high school were always close and until a couple of years ago a few of them met up regularly for a long weekend of golf and fellowship.
He worked primarily in the financial services business, climbing his way up the corporate ladder by simply “outworking everyone else”; he supplemented his early salary with wildcatting in the oil business and other ingenious enterprises. His career led him to multiple reassignments in Charlotte, New York City, New Orleans, Windsor (England) and Fort Worth. John retired 25 years ago, returning to Mandeville after serving as president of Kentucky Finance. He remained a Wildcat fan for the rest of his life.
He was fiercely competitive, playing baseball and football as a young man and tennis and a lot of very good golf later in life. Golf was the avenue for John and Jan’s introduction, both joining a trip to the Dominican Republic organized by mutual friends in early 2005.
Always goal-oriented, he and Jan embarked on a quest to visit all the national parks and to play golf in all 50 states; John became an avid hiker, despite his initial reservations. He refused to learn to ski, however. He enjoyed traveling the world and cherished his adventures with his family and friends. He served for many years as a volunteer at the National WWII Museum. He lived life with few regrets.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Frances (Peterson) Godfrey; his brothers, Max and Philip; and his wife, Sharon Rae Godfrey.
The family is grateful for the care John received at Ochsner Cancer Center and at home by Guardian Angel Hospice and Shirley and Vanita (PassionateCare).
John will be buried in his hiking apparel and trail shoes along with his hiking pole at private family service in Parsons.
The family suggests memorials to the WW2 Museum, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or Farm Rescue. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
