J. FRANCIS GODDARD

Dodge City - J. Francis Goddard, 94, died August 26, 2012 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains, Dodge City. He was born on September 21, 1917 at Fresno, California the son Joseph and Bernice I. (Frohock) Goddard. He grew up in Ingalls on the family farm. He graduated from Ingalls High School, Dodge City Community College and Wichita Aeronautical School.

He married Frances Eileen Wade on July 5, 1940 at Garden City. She preceded him in death on October 16, 2008. They moved to Fresno, California where Francis worked for McDonald Douglas Aircraft. They later returned to Ingalls where he farmed for many years. He and his wife helped establish the Ingalls Federated Church, now known as Ingalls Bible Church. He was a pilot and ham radio advocate.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dodge City, Ingalls Bible Church, Masonic Lodge, Midian Shrine of Wichita, Flying Farmers and Avion Travelcade Club.

Francis is survived by two sons, Jerry Goddard and wife Michelle Acworth, Georgia and Michael Goddard and wife Linda, Howard, Colorado; a daughter Rev. Nancy Eileen Goddard, Emporia; seven grandchildren eight great grandchildren and a sister Evelyn Iles of Wichita. He was preceded by his parents, wife and two sisters, Elaine Addison and Mary Ljungdahl.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, Dodge City, with Rev. Lance Carrithers presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City with Masonic Graveside Rites. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 from Noon to 8:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M.. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie, First United Methodist Church, Ingalls Bible Church or Presbyterian Manor Of The Plains all in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

We can't find words enough to thank the Awesome staff at Presbyterian Manor. Residents and staff became Dad's second family. All commented on Dad's big smile he gave to each and every one. Some of the young men would come to Dad's room to hear his experiences and hang out with him. All gave so much kindness and care for him.

Dad died as he lived, with courage, faith and acceptance. In the last week of his life, Hospice of the prairie helped Dad to have a comfortable and peaceful transition to join his sweetheart and God in eternal life. Soon after Dad's death, a man arrived to serve communion to Dad. He ended up serving communion to us. Mike, Jerry and I received the communion while holding each other. The hospice nurse arrived, bathed Dad and prepared his body to transfer to Swaim Funeral Home with dignity and grace. The care to our entire family will always be remembered.

"Bye for now" is what Dad at the end of every conversation anticipating we would soon see each other again. Sunday, August 26, we said, "Good bye for now," knowing death does not have the last word and we will be reunited again.