GODFREY, KENNETH WAYNE "KENNY" , 81 , passed away on September 6, 2021, at his home at Vintage Park at the Waterfront surrounded by his family. Kenny was born on July 20, 1940, in Hobart, Oklahoma to Odell and Willie (King) Godfrey. When he was young the family moved to Meade, KS. Kenny attended Meade High School. After high school Kenny joined the Army. He was a Vietnam Vet and served in Korea. Kenny was awarded National Defense Service and Good Conduct Ribbons. He was an Expert Marksman - Rifle, a member of the Army Central 3rd Division and a Drill Instructor. Kenny was Honorably Discharged as a Sgt. E-6 on December 4, 1967. While stationed in Germany, Kenny met Iris Elke Zahringer whom he married in Zweibrucken, Germany in 1961. They had a daughter Michelle in 1963 while stationed in San Antonio, TX. Kenny and Iris divorced in 1966. Kenny met Ruth Ann Sneed; they wed in Fort Campbell, KY on December 7, 1966. In 1967 Kenny and Ruth Ann moved to Burling, AK where Kenny worked for Tom's Toasted Peanuts. Ruth and Kenny had a son Clayton in 1969 after returning home to Meade, KS. A move to Hutchinson, KS found Kenny serving as a Firefighter for the Hutchinson Fire Department for several years. With a move back to Meade, KS in 1977 he farmed with the Butler family, and eventually worked at the Co-op hauling propane and working on cars, and owning a bar in Meade, KS. Kenny, Ruth, and Clayton moved to Holcomb, KS where Kenny worked for Wheatland Electric. Kenny started a ranch and feed business with his son Clayton. They later moved to Arizona, and Kenny went to work for Pinetop Lumberyard, and the Holbrook Lumberyard. He was very active in the American Legion and was the Commander. After Holbrook, AZ he moved to Roosevelt, AZ and worked for park services at Tonto National Monument. In 2001 he moved back to Kansas and started working with the Girl Scout Camp in Leon, KS as Ranger Ken for Camp 4 Winds until 2007 when a massive stroke ended his career. He was proud of his membership in the Andover American Legion. Kenny did many things through the years including being a racehorse jockey, riding bucking broncos, driving race cars on dirt tracks, and enjoying riding his big Honda motorcycle. Kenny was a true outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting, coyote hunting and camping with his family, especially Clayton. He was an exceptional handyman with the ability to fix and tinker with anything. Clayton and Michelle vividly remember tearing down many houses with their dad. Kenny and Ruth loved to play cards, entertain, and dance. They built a "Party Garage" where they would have friends over to enjoy time with. Kenny was mischievous and enjoyed life, always having fun, and making people laugh, whether it was playing jokes on them or using his own funny, ornery laugh. Kenny will be remembered for his strict, disciplined attitude from being a Drill Sergeant. He would give anyone the shirt off his back if he had it to give.

Kenny is survived by his wife Ruth; children Michelle Sell (Larry) and Clayton Godfrey (Kelly); siblings Odell Godfrey and Mike Godfrey; grandchildren Jeffrey Edwards, Angelica Sell, Jaedan Godfrey and Kaelyn Godfrey; many other family and friends including Iris Elke (Zahringer) Solomon. He was preceded in death by his parents Odell and Willie, sister Pat and half-brothers Jim and Donald (twins), Roy, Ralph, and Bill Miller.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a date to be determined.

Memorial donations in Kenny's memory may be made to Andover Police & Fire Foundation, 909 N Andover Road, Andover, KS 67002 or Andover American Legion Post #406, P.O. Box 365, Andover, KS 67002.