David Godfrey

YATES CITY - David Ray Godfrey, 63, of Yates City, Ill., died on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at 12:15 p.m. at his home.

He was born on June 11, 1946, in Galesburg, Ill., the son of Russell and Marjorie Shaffer Godfrey. He married Connie Hennenfent in 1968 in Galesburg, Ill., then later married Connie "Joan" Kelso in 1983 in Galesburg, Ill.

Surviving are daughter, Karrie L. (Chris) Trader of Mokena, Ill.; sons, Jeremy Godfrey of Grand Prairie, Texas, Army Spc. Joshua Godfrey of Newport News, Va., and John Godfrey of Galesburg, Ill.; two granddaughters; fiance, Ruby Ann McAllister of Yates City, Ill.; future stepdaughter, Emily McAllister of Yates City, Ill.; future stepson, Randy (Diane Pheasant) Hosler of Creve Coeur, Ill.; and brother, Tom (Wendy) Godfrey of rural Gilson, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Alan Godfrey.

He was raised and educated in the rural Maquon area and attended Knoxville High School, graduating in 1964.

He served in the U.S. Army from August 1965 to August 1968, serving one year in Vietnam. He served a second term in the U.S. Army from February 1983 to June 1987, serving two years in Germany.

He was an Illinois State Police trooper from July 1970 to October 1980, and then became a heavy equipment operator working through the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 649 in Peoria, Ill.

He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 649 of Peoria, Ill.; Harry Philblad American Legion Post 749 of Knoxville, Ill.; VFW Post 2257 of Galesburg, Ill.; and the AMVETS Post 8 of Knoxville, Ill. He was a former Orange Township Cemetery trustee and board trustee.

He was of the Protestant faith.

He enjoyed reading the Bible, was an avid Packers fan and a die-hard union man.

Memorial services will be at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Ill., with the Rev. Dan Doty officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Ill. Military rites will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. by the Ralph M. Noble American Post 285 of Galesburg, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com.