Clement Godby (1948)

GODBY, GRAHAM, WILSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 2/16/2007 at 13:08:48

Earlham Echo - August 1948
Earlham, Iowa

OBITUARY

Clement Godby, youngest son of General Joseph Godby and Jane Graham of Dorking, Surrey, England was born at Dover, England on November 30, 1867 and died August 12, 1948.

As a boy he was privileged to make his home in many different countries where his father was stationed as a British army officer. He came to Earlham, Iowa to the Tom Drimie Ranch in the spring of 1886 but made many trips home to his native land, crossing the ocean seventeen times. He has continued to reside here with the exception of the two years he spent at Lake Arthur, Louisiana. He preferred the life and the freedom of the farm to that of following in the footsteps of his father.

On September 13, 1893 he was married to Lilian Wilson and had he lived until the thirteenth of September they would have completed fifty-five years of life together. He rejoiced in his children, Dorothy, Robert Wilson, Marjorie, and Graham Wilson and made for them a home founded on righteous faith, a heritage they will always cherish.

When a boy he was confirmed in the Church of England and on July 8, 1894 he united with the Earlham Presbyterian church. He became a decon in 1896 and was elected to the eldership in 1899. In 1908 he became clerk of the session and served in that capacity as long as his health permitted. As long as God gave him strength and voice he continued to praise Him by teaching his Sunday School class each Sunday morning. His service to his Lord and Master was always foremost in his life.

His wife, three children and six grandchildren survive him. His elder son, Robert preceded him in death less than a year ago. An older brother Gen. Charles Godby of Farnham, England and a sister, Frances of Dorking, England also survive him.

"He was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith."

Services were held Saturday afternoon from the Presbyterian church in charge of the Rev. S. R. Overholser and interment in the Earlham cemetery.