In Memory Of
William Godbey
William Godbey
Willliam P. "Bill" Godbey, 93, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, April 9 at Midland Hospice House.
He was born January 29, 1913 in Junction City, the son of John W. Godbey, Sr. and Luella Williams Godbey.
He was a graduate of Salina High School. After high school, he joined various vaudeville touring shows where he played the trombone, tap danced, and was an actor in many melodramas. He was also a cast member of the only ocean going showboat. The 40's found him working as a street photographer in Washington D.C., an interest that continued throughout his life. Bill had a talent for art which included oil painting, carving, cartooning and sign work. He had a cartoon which ran in Capper's Weekly and his artwork was featured in many local newspapers. He won numerous awards for his artwork and once received a personal letter from Norman Rockwell.
He married Ruth G. Williams on May 1, 1948 in St. Joseph, MO. She survives. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Thomas Godbey in 1966.
Other survivors include four children; Bonnie Schrick and her husband Bernie of Kansas City, MO, Jerry Godbey and his wife Diann of Camden Point,MO, Linda Klem and her husband Ed of Topeka, Debbie Gudenkauf and her husband Steve of Cary, IL, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, a brother, John W. Godbey of Hutchinson, KS and a sister, Dorothy Paramore of Topeka.
Cremation is planned. No services are scheduled at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
He was born January 29, 1913 in Junction City, the son of John W. Godbey, Sr. and Luella Williams Godbey.
He was a graduate of Salina High School. After high school, he joined various vaudeville touring shows where he played the trombone, tap danced, and was an actor in many melodramas. He was also a cast member of the only ocean going showboat. The 40's found him working as a street photographer in Washington D.C., an interest that continued throughout his life. Bill had a talent for art which included oil painting, carving, cartooning and sign work. He had a cartoon which ran in Capper's Weekly and his artwork was featured in many local newspapers. He won numerous awards for his artwork and once received a personal letter from Norman Rockwell.
He married Ruth G. Williams on May 1, 1948 in St. Joseph, MO. She survives. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Thomas Godbey in 1966.
Other survivors include four children; Bonnie Schrick and her husband Bernie of Kansas City, MO, Jerry Godbey and his wife Diann of Camden Point,MO, Linda Klem and her husband Ed of Topeka, Debbie Gudenkauf and her husband Steve of Cary, IL, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, a brother, John W. Godbey of Hutchinson, KS and a sister, Dorothy Paramore of Topeka.
Cremation is planned. No services are scheduled at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Godbey, please visit our flower store.
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