Earl Francis Godfrey

Earl F. Godfrey, 97, a retired U.S. Naval Officer with 34 years of service, died Saturday, March 5th at his residence in Forest Hill Manor, Pacific Grove, California. He was born in a farmhouse near Cozad, Nebraska and lived in various parts of the country and world before retiring in Monterey 48 years ago.

Captain Godfrey, USN, was a graduate of Cozad High School, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Naval War College, the National War College, and various other service schools, including the United States Naval Test Pilot School. He saw combat action in the Pacific Theater in World War II, the Korean War, and throughout the Vietnam War. Within the Vietnam area of operations, he commanded two squadrons of A-4 Skyhawks (VA-55 and VA-125), was the Executive Officer of the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14), commanded the USS Neches (AO-47), and commanded the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). He also served as Chief of Staff for the United States Seventh Fleet, Chief of Staff for the United States Naval Air Force, Pacific, and as the Chief of Staff for the Naval Postgraduate School. He considered his command of a United States aircraft carrier during flight operations, to be the pinnacle of his career as a naval aviator.

Captain Godfrey retired with over 6,000 hours in fighter aircraft and was inducted into the Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame in 1999. As a test pilot in the late 1950’s, he took delivery of the Navy’s first F-4 Phantom, was instrumental in development of the flight manual for the A-6 Intruder, and had a significant impact on the development and use of fighter aircraft for the United States Navy.

As his children try to summarize such a career here, we undoubtedly fail to capture its fullness. Recounting career highlights, though, overlooks how he valued family as the center of his universe. Earl was a warm, humble, elegant, and humorous man. He was married to his graceful wife and partner, Gerry, for 56 years until she preceded him in death in 2004. Together they raised four children with families, who live on grateful to have had such perfect parents. They are Alan Godfrey of Woodland, California, Julie Streets of Monterey, California, Peter Godfrey of Mesa, Arizona, and Wendy Milligan of Monterey, California. As for his grandkids, Earl was once asked how he would characterize the difference between being a parent and a grandparent. He pondered it for a long time and then said “Frankly I can’t answer that. Because to me they’re the same.” His grandkids live on grateful to have had such a wonderful Bopa.

In retirement Earl pursued his many interests. He sailed his sloop, the Star Gazer, took classes at Monterey Peninsula College, enjoyed golfing, painting, playing bridge or poker with friends, lunches around town (with great coffee), taking cruises, and studying the stock market. He was a spiritual man with a deep and abiding faith in God, considering for a time attending a seminary. His always favorite activity, regardless of where it led, was spending time with friends and family. In his later years he enjoyed the conversation and companionship of his dear friend, Shirley Temple of Carmel. He was a familiar fixture at Bechler’s, Del Monte Grill, and Peppers, among others, over the years.

Earl was generous with his love and was loved deeply by others. He was an example to follow for his family, close friends, and all who knew him as a friend, a peer, or a commanding officer. The positive impacts he made continue to spread like ripples on a quiet Nebraska pond. He exemplifies the best of the Greatest Generation. Never a complaint and always a ready smile. “Always follow orders cheerfully!”

He was buried March 17, 2022, in the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery near Santa Nella, California after a small family graveside service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thepaulmortuary.com for the Godfrey family.