He was born on February 19, 1967, at North Kansas City Hospital to Harris and Emma Godding. Bert graduated from Turner High School in 1985 and went on to graduate from Baker University, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. In 1993 he received his J.D. from UMKC Law School, launching his legal career.
Bert married Christina, the absolute love of his life, on March 6, 1993, and they spent 29 happy years together. The couple welcomed four children into their lives, Mason, Quinn, Chloe and Shelby. His children remember him as a kind, gifted and intelligent man, who always encouraged them to pursue their goals and who helped them in every facet of their lives. Bert was an active member of the Missouri Bar Association. He was a talented and respected attorney, starting in the Public Defender’s Office, and went on to begin his own solo firm, where he worked for over 22 years. Bert helped countless people with his criminal defense expertise and skills in the courtroom.
Bert was preceded in death by his mother, Emma Jane Godding, and his father, Harris Bert Godding.
Bert is survived by his wife, Christina Marie Godding (Parkville, Missouri); his four children, Mason Christopher Godding and his wife Merissa Rachelle Godding (Kansas City, Missouri); Quinn Harris Godding (Parkville, Missouri); Chloe Marie Godding (Parkville, Missouri); and Shelby Suzanne Godding (Parkville, Missouri), along with his brother, Phil Godding and his partner Lisa Griffey (Leawood, Kansas).
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 24 from 6 to 8 pm, funeral service on Friday, February 25 at 10 am followed by burial all at Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery.
