Kenneth Bruce Godard

Kenneth Bruce Godard After more than 69 years, on January 23, 2025, the Lord called Kenneth B. Godard home to receive his crown. He passed away peacefully at Delmar Gardens of Lenexa on January 23, 2025. He was born September 02, 1955, in Kansas City, MO to John Henry Godard and Savannah (Shaw) Godard. Kenneth was the 3rd oldest of 9 children. He was preceded in death by his parents and Sibling(s), Denise Greene and Johnny E. Godard. Kenneth was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri. He sang in the choir and was very active at church. He graduated from the original Paseo High School in 1973. During high school he was a cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps, member of the choir, and played football and baseball. He was an amazing athlete and excelled in every sport that he played. After graduating from high school Kenneth joined the United States Air Force in October 1973. Kenneth was a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist, a crew chief. He worked on various military fighter jets. While in the Air Force, Kenneth played semi-professional football. He served 15 proud years in the Air Force, he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, receiving an honorable discharge and numerous awards. When Kenny left the military, he joined the Millis Transfer Company as an over the road 18-wheel truck driver. He worked for Millis Transfer for 30+ years. Kenneth enjoyed the freedom and camaraderie of being a truck driver and made many friends driving across the country. He was fondly known as ‘Nightcrawler’ to his fellow truckers and friends. Kenneth loved golf. He always traveled with his golf clubs. He enjoyed nothing more than playing a round of golf with his brothers Johnny, Kevin, Terry, cousin Avery, and nephew Marc. He was a member of the Just A Bunch of Guys (JABOG) traveling golf club. His golf adventures took him to places like Las Vegas, Tampa, New Orleans, Miami, and Myrtle Beach. Kenneth also enjoyed traveling with his siblings, especially his older brother Johnny. Kenneth and Johnny were like Thelma and Louise, always together! They would cruise and do destination trips extensively. The two of them would daily watch the ‘Young and the Restless’ and the ‘Bold and the Beautiful’ and then spend hours recapping each day’s storyline. Kenneth enjoyed a good game of poker and black jack. He often won poker tournaments he entered. He also loved to play bid whist and could count cards like no other! When Kenneth moved back to Kansas City in January 2024, he reconnected with family and friends. He was able to make new friends and participate in family gatherings which meant a lot to him. Kenneth, Tommy, and Terry truly bonded during his final year and golfed, bowled, and went to the theater on a regular basis. Towards the end, being around family was his joy. Kenneth loved his family. Throughout the years the love he showed for his mother Savannah, father John Henry, daughters Sheri and Tamika, grandchildren and siblings is what truly mattered to him. He was kind hearted, compassionate, and giving. Kenneth will truly be missed. Sheri Moss, daughter 1-born, “One of my greatest joys in life was the time spent with Dad. Sitting around talking about life, sharing his wisdom, and laughing over memories. Through our many meaningful conversations, he would always offer insight and encouragement with a calm and thoughtful demeanor. Some of our fondest memories were made during our countless competitive games of sequence. Dad’s playful spirit and sharp wit made every game a battle of strategy and laughter with just the right amount of good-natured trash talk to keep things lively. He would always jokingly remind me of his winning streak or tease me for a missed move or loss. His humor and lighthearted confidence made every match unforgettable. These moments were a testament to the love, joy, and warmth he brought to our lives everyday.” Tamika Godard, daughter - second born, “My Dad - also known affectionately in some circles in Tampa/Miami as Otis (to this day even!). Otis was a random name my dad gave to my mother when they met in Homestead AFB, 1974. The story is my mom, Theresa Britt (Brown) asked my dad for his name three times and still could not remember it. So on the fourth time, he answered “Otis”. Very funny and also very typical of my dad’s humor that lasted to his final weeks - despite his sickness and pain. My mom would eventually catch his name - Kenneth Bruce Godard-from Kansas City, Missouri, but the nickname would stick. My mom and dad were married from June 1975 to July 1989. I made my debut in the summer of 1978 at Macdill AFB. Alone or with us tagging along, my dad was blessed to travel with the US Air Force to Korea, Germany, California, London, Texas and more. Early memories of my dad and I are always being together. He was willing to do anything to keep me entertained. Whether that be playing barbies with me, building snowmen, going to the park or riding around with him in a golf cart with my cabbage patch doll. Even at a young age, my dad was just so cool to me. I remember being amazed he worked on the huge planes in the military hangars; the planes seemed so massive in my small eyes. My dad was my hero, my everything as a little girl. As the years passed, we learned to talk, and laugh and cry and share with each other the ups and downs of life. While living in Orlando in the summer of 2023, he attended almost every football league game for my son, his grandson Jordan. I will miss those good times watching the games, his wit and how he beat me so badly in sequence! I will miss my dad. I am devastated. I cannot just pick up the phone and call him…hear his comforting voice. Daddy, I already miss you. Thank you for giving me life, teaching me to be tough, and how to survive the toughest of situations. Until we meet again at the Lord’s pearly white gates…We love and miss you dad..aka Kenneth Bruce Godard..aka “Popcorn Grandpa”…aka… “Otis.” Kenneth leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters Sheri L Moss (Cedrick), Miami, FL and Tamika Godard, (Tampa, FL), Brothers Tommy Godard, Kansas City, MO, Kevin Godard (Velva), Snellville, GA, Terry Godard, Kansas City, MO. Sisters Nancy Godard-Guthrie, Alexandria VA, Victoria Renfrow and Angela Davis both from Kansas City, MO. Grandchildren, Justin, Kailyn, and Jordan, great grandchild, Ameerah, nieces, nephews, cousins, a special cousin/sister Zodie Vickers, the family’s adoptive mother Lily Burney, and a host of friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Kenneth B Godard. (https://americancancerfund.org/donation-options/sympathy-messages/) **Please have acknowledgements sent to: nancy.guthrie003@gmail.com A private memorial service will be held in honor of Kenneth Godard. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers as we cope with the loss of our loved one.

Kenneth Bruce Godard

September 2, 1955 - January 23, 2025