John Eldon Godwin

SHREVEPORT, LA- John Eldon Godwin, MSGT (Ret) USMC, 88, was taken home to his heavenly father on November 3, 2014, after a lengthy battle with heart disease. Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at Rose-Neath Marshall Street Chapel, Shreveport, LA. Officiating will be Rev. Derek Joyce. Burial will be at Forest Park on St. Vincent Avenue. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Wednesday, November 5, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. He was born in Shreveport, LA on October 15, 1926, to John William and Lucille Cook Godwin. John grew up in Shreveport, attending local schools and graduating from Fair Park High School in 1943. After employment with the KCS Railroad for a few months he joined the US Marine Corps in January, 1944, to serve his country during WWII. He continued to serve during the Korean conflict and Viet Nam War, retiring in April of 1968. John served in communications and when he retired he was a crypto analyst. Returning to Shreveport with his family upon retirement he became employed at the VA Hospital where he served until his retirement in 1986. John loved fishing and hunting and as a competitive pistol shooter he won many awards including setting a national record in the 1970\'s. He was known for his love of growing vegetables and especially for the special home grown tomatoes he took pride in and shared with friends and neighbors. He was also known for his knowledge of using the computer and the special greeting cards everyone loved to receive. John was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, a member of Blanchard Lodge #447, Blanchard OES #236, American Legion, El Karubah Shrine, and Caddo Rifle and Pistol Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Maxine Godwin Manning and Marguerite Godwin Bell. John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Lucille E. Godwin; one Son, John W. and wife, Mary of Shreveport, LA; Granddaughter, Laura Schwan and husband, Andy; Great-Grandchildren, Lily and Logan Schwan all of Suisun, CA. And numerous much loved nieces and nephews. Honoring John as pallbearers will be Jim Clark, Chris Fertitta, Jerry Fertitta, Bill Laird, Jerry Pickett, and Russ Rogers. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Corky Davis, MD for his care and friendship to Mr. Godwin during his years of illness and also all the medical staff of Ark-La-Tex Cardiology and the nurses on the 5th floor ICU at Willis-Knighton North Medical Center. The family suggests memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 500 Common St., Shreveport, LA, 71101.