The family of Gene Gaylord Godsy is sad to announce his passing on November 29, 2022.
He was born in Independence, MO on February 18, 1931 to Sherman and Dorothy (Thompson) Godsy. He spent his early childhood in northeast Kansas City, then moved to the west Plaza area. He attended Sweeney Elementary and graduated from Paseo High School in 1948. He was a member of DeMolay while at Paseo. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years during the Korean War era. His last duty station was Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. Elmendorf AFB was important during the war because of the close proximity to Korea. Next to the Aleutian Islands it was the closest U.S. land mass to Korea. Gene was stationed in Alaska while it was still a territory and not a state, so it was considered foreign duty and he received foreign duty pay. The AFB was part of the D.E.W. line (Distant Early Warning) a system of radar stations in the northern Arctic created in the early 1950’s. Gene was a radio/technician at the AFB in this important endeavor to protect the U.S.
He began work with AT&T in January 1955. Gene spent the next 36 years working for both AT&T and Southwestern Bell. He switched from AT&T to Southwestern Bell to implement a new system called Trunk Inventory Records Keeping System known as T.I.R.K.S. He loved his job as he rose to become an Engineering Associate. In 1978 he was awarded the Western Electric Engineering Appreciation Citation for an engineering aide he invented called SPEEDI. SPEEDI was a trunk and circuit aid which allowed other technicians to solve communication problems that would arise during daily installations. He retired December 31, 1990.
Gene married Peggy Johnson in 1955 and they had 3 children, Mike, Cathy, and Mary. They were married 67 years. In 1957 Gene built a new house in Blue Springs when the population was less than 2,000. He loved working on his home and yard, keeping them in top notch shape. He lived there for 65 years until his Lewy Body dementia caused him to move to a memory care facility in early 2022. Gene enjoyed helping his children through Cub Scouts, 4H and powderpuff softball as an umpire. He also did all he could to keep the funding for sheltered workshops in Jackson County. He was appointed to the park board by Elvin Whisler and advocated for more tennis courts in Blue Springs. He and Lucy Brownfield spent many Sundays on the courts playing mixed doubles with Lou and Sonja Joline.
Gene was the last of his generation. The torch is now passed to Mike, Steve, Chris and Barry to carry on for the Godsys.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman Godsy and Dorothy Brandmeyer, and brother Sherman Godsy, Jr. He is survived by his wife Peggy and his daughter Mary Jeanne Godsy both of the home. He also leaves his other daughter, Cathy Tepper (Brian) of Lee’s Summit and his son Mike Godsy (Sheryl) of Liberty. In addition, he leaves his grandchildren Meghan Godsy, Kansas City; Tyler Godsy (Erin), Blue Springs; Michael P. Godsy (Rae) Independence; Katie Tepper Lin (Hao), Lee’s Summit; and Kelly Tepper Harbison (Stephen), Canton, Michigan. Also left behind is his great grandson Charlie Lin, Lee’s Summit. His family will receive family and friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO. Memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Blue Springs Cemetery in Blue Springs, MO. In lieu of flowers we suggest donations to St. John LaLande-St. Vincent DePaul Society Food Pantry. 805 NW R.D. Mize Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015. Memories of Gene and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
“TO HONOR A SPECIAL VETERAN
Thank you so much for serving our country. Because of your service you gave each and everyone of us are freedom.
God bless you Gene for taking great care of our country and for all the sacrifices you have made for our country for me and for all of us.
LINDA PETERSON
WIFE OF A (DECEASED) UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN
Peggy, Mike, Cathy, and Mary
We are very sorry at the passing of Gene. He was a great man and will be missed. Our sympathies and condolences at this time. God Bless.
Mary Martin – and the Martin cousins
Ov er the many years I worked for Gene, I came to know him as a friend, now missed. Gene was quick to praise, slow to criticize. He had the rare qualities of intellect, patience, charity and, best of all, humor. My condolences to Peggy and the rest of Gene’s extended family.
Gene was the best advocate for his daughter and persons with disabilities. I will always carry in my heart working with him at the Board of Services. My condolences to the family.
I worked with Gene at AT&T and at SW Bell. He was a good friend and a really good guy. My sympathies to his family.
I worked for and with Gene at SWB. He was a great supervisor, person and mentor. So sorry for his loss. Condolences to family. Loved that guy
My condolences to Mike and the entire Godsey family.
I had the privilege of working with Gene at SWBT for several years. Absolutely one of the nicest people I have ever met. Super intelligent not only in his technical field but also in dealing with people. Patient, kind, humorous and calming were all traits of Gene. I interacted with a person from AT&T with Gene’s last name. I ask him if he was related to Gene. His response was, “I don’t think so, but I tell everyone we are.” I ask him why that was. He responded, “Who wouldn’t want to be related to Gene Godsey”. The ultimate compliment.
Rest in peace Gene.
My condolences to the Godsy family. I just learned of Gene’s passing. Peggy and Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. May your friends grant you comfort and may God grant you peace.