Ken Eugene Godfrey

Ken Eugene “Zeke” Godfrey, age 78, of Lamar, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ken was born April 20, 1947, in Lamar, Missouri, to Lester Eugene Godfrey and Gladys Margaret “Shorty” Godfrey.

He graduated from Lamar High School with the class of 1966 and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Missouri Southern State University in 1974. Ken devoted his life to education and coaching, beginning his career in Archie from 1978–1979; McAuley from 1979–1982; Archie again from 1982–1987; Liberal from 1987–1988; Golden City from 1988–1990; and concluding an extraordinary 49-year career at Jasper from 1990 until his retirement in 2025.

In addition to teaching and coaching, Ken served as the Summer Recreation Director in Lamar for four years during the late 1970s. During that time, he took great pride in caring for the baseball fields—often with nothing more than a rake and a lawn mower.

Known affectionately as “Coach Godfrey,” Ken dedicated his time, heart, and life to the students and schools he served, touching countless lives along the way. As an aide, he worked closely with many students, offering patience, encouragement, and unwavering support each day. He coached multiple sports throughout the years, mentoring and inspiring generations of young athletes.

Ken was a familiar and faithful presence at sporting events, always cheering on the Jasper teams. Behind the scenes, he spent countless summer hours watering the football field, quietly ensuring everything was ready for Friday night lights. For many years, he also served as a school crossing guard, greeting students and families with a warm smile and a kind word. Ken was truly a blessing to his community and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his brother, Gordie Godfrey and wife Luella of Lamar; three nephews, Ryan Godfrey and wife Leah of Leavenworth, Kansas; Jeffrey Godfrey and wife Ashley of Republic, Missouri and Ryan Collier of Belton, Missouri; as well as three great-nieces and two great-nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Lester “Les” and Gladys “Shorty” Godfrey.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Jasper High School Gymnasium in Jasper, Missouri, with burial to follow at Lake Cemetery in Lamar.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.

Memorial contributions are suggested and may be made payable to Daniel Funeral Home, as the family is in the process of establishing a scholarship fund in Coach Godfrey’s honor.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.