Walter J. Godwin's Obituary
Walter “Turk" J. Godwin age 91 of Georgetown, DE passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023. He was born in Pottstown, PA on September 21, 1932, son of the late Horace and Margaret (Quinter) Godwin.
Turk graduated from Georgetown High School, class of 1950. He was a firm believer of education. With little money in the family, he hitchhiked to Tennessee, where he heard Milligan College was offering football scholarships. However, upon arrival he found out they had all been given so he hitchhiked back home.
Turk was met by a member of the faculty and was given a scholarship to cover his first semester at the University of DE. By working part time and getting another scholarship, he was able to complete 2 years of college on December 21st. Turk then applied for aviation cadet school and was accepted, graduating in 1954 as a 1st Lt. While home on leave, he met his future wife, Joan, and they married in 1957. While in the Air Force, he was sent to Mississippi Southern College where he finally received his college degree. Turk then went to complete 21 years with the Air Force, retiring as Lt. Col. with over 500 hours of flying time.
After retirement, he returned to Delaware, where he worked as a real estate broker until he was appointed a judge in the district court.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Karyn, and nine siblings: Earl, Edwin, James, Robert, Albert, Anna, William, Betty, and Kate. Turk is survived by his loving wife Joan Godwin; his son, David (Sandy); his grandchildren: Dana (Jose), and Daniel; his great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Collin, Alaina, and Chloe; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Dodd-Carey Chapel, Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 307 N. Bedford Street, Georgetown, D, where friends and family may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 16669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966..
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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