John Eldon Godfrey, Sr.

John Eldon Godfrey Sr., surrounded by family, passed away peacefully at the age of 81, on April 14, 2024. He was our dear brother, faithful husband, patient father, and playful grandfather and great-grandfather. John was born in Logan, Utah, to Nathan and Flo Godfrey on January 16, 1943, the day after his father’s birthday. John was a middle son with three older brothers and three younger brothers, all who were his examples and friends. He had one younger sister, whom he adored. John grew up in the small northern Utah town of Clarkston. There, he worked on the farm with his family, planting wheat and alfalfa and milking lots of cows. 

 

John served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern California. During that time, he was able to attend the groundbreaking of the Oakland Temple, a memory he shared with excitement when in later years he visited the grounds with a couple of his children.

 

After his mission, John enrolled in barber school. He was afraid that he would be quickly enrolled in the draft and his brother, Walter, was already attending. He made this his career for many years and got to meet people from all parts of life. While standing all day was hard on his knees, he enjoyed talking with his customers and established many friendships and contacts. 

 

John met his wife, Rosemary, at the Terrace weekly dance. The first time they met Rosemary had blonde hair and a bright turquoise blouse. About six months later in November, the first time both of them had returned to the regular dance, Rosemary was back to her natural brown hair with a black dress. They started dating immediately. That next summer, John asked Rosemary to marry him. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 30,1967. They were blessed to have President Thomas S. Monson perform the ceremony, as he was the Mission President over Rosemary’s Canadian home. 

 

Because of the physical challenges of barbering, John began to look for other ways to support his family. This led him to become a building manager of the Beneficial Life Building (now Key Bank). He worked in the 26-story tower for 18 years and became a friend to all in the building. He transferred to the Zion’s Bank building for the last three years of his career and again became a favorite of many at the building. 

 

After his retirement, John and his wife, Rosemary, moved to Washington in Southern Utah. This was a dream come true for him as he and Rosemary enjoyed their retirement in their new home. He loved playing games with friends, exploring by car, boat, and ATV, visiting family and friends, and just relaxing in his recliner. 

 

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his lifetime he served in many areas of church service, such as High Counselor, Bishopric Counselor, High Priest Group Leaded, Boy Scouts Leader, and greeter. On his last day as the High Priest Group Leader, he called himself to the position of greeter for sacrament meeting. At first this confused the group, but then the ward leadership released him from his calling as group leader. Many laughed at John’s plan to keep himself busy and place himself where he could say hello to his dear friends each week. 

 

John is survived by his wife, Rosemary; and his children, Shannon Godfrey, Kristie Godfrey, Emily (Gary) Pope, John E (Vanessa) Godfrey Jr., Stephen Godfrey, Mark (Devin) Godfrey. He has nine grandchildren, Jessica (Michael) Mudrow, Brittany (Kristofer) Daye, Ashley (Colton) Bettinson, Megan Pope, Elizabeth Pope, Ariabella Godfrey, John Ethan Godfrey, Gemma Godfrey, and Iris Godfrey, along with six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Lyman (Katherine) Godfrey, Udell (Deanna) Godfrey, Walter Godfrey, Loretta (William) Robbins, and Gail (DeeAnn) Godfrey and sisters-in-law, Diane Godfrey and Ann Godfrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Flo Godfrey; brothers, Lonnie Godfrey and Glen Godfrey, sister, Betty Priscilla Godfrey; and sister-in-law, Metta Godfrey.

 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Valley 5th Ward Chapel, 5735 South Crestwood, Ogden. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Clarkston City Cemetery.

 

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of John’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com where condolences may also be shared. 

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