Thomas LaMoyne Godbey was born to parents LaMoyne and Doris (Frank) Godbey on May 28, 1949, in Brookings, SD. He passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 8, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson. Interment was in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers Tom requested donations be made to Garretson Fire Department, Garretson Ambulance, Blue Dragon Foundation, or The American Legion.
Tom attended school in Garretson, SD graduating with the class of 1968. He attended Pipestone Vo-Tech for one year, earning a degree from the meat cutting program. Tom held various jobs throughout his life. He was a meat cutter at the Sunshine Foods, owned and operated Godbey's Market in Garretson, dug ditches for Kemp Excavating, worked at Bayliner in Pipestone, MN, and owned and operated Tom's TbarK in Garretson. His part time job of 30+ years was custodian at St. Rose. The last position he held was as a forklift operator at Sullivan's, Inc in SFSD, where he worked for 28 years, retiring in 2015. He soon decided that he couldn't be idle, got his CDL and a job driving a bus for the Garretson School District, where he was still employed at the time of his death.
Tom was proud to say that he was a third-generation meat cutter, second-generation city council member and second-generation bus driver. Tom was proud to work as a bus driver, transporting students on a daily basis, as well as sports teams in the evenings and on weekends. He was active in community organizations, serving on the city council for several years. His passion in that capacity was the maintenance and further development of the Split Rock Park. He was a charter member of the Garretson Jaycees and a driving force behind the development of the softball complex. He played ball for The Pomp Room, hosting many tournaments in Garretson. He was a lifetime member of St. Rose of Lima, serving the church in many ways.
Tom's hobbies and pastimes included sports, golfing, fishing, gardening and camping. But most of all, he loved spending time with family. When camping, he cooked most meals over an open campfire, while enjoying a few "cold ones" with family and friends. Tom was an avid fan of the Garretson Blue Dragons, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Minnesota Twins. He was passionate about recycling in every way possible.
Tom met his wife, Karla (Schaefer) Godbey in Brewster, MN in October,1980. He often stated that she was the best thing to ever happen to him. They were married on May 30, 1981, at St. Rose in Garretson. Tom and Karla were blessed with three loving children; Danielle, Meghan and Derrick.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Ellen Pierret, and brother Jim. He is survived by his wife Karla (Schaefer) Godbey, children Danielle (Sam) Swenson, Sioux Falls, Meghan (Matthew) Menely, Round Rock, TX, and Derrick (Samantha) Godbey, Garretson. He is also survived by grandchildren Theo Menely, Sawyer and Delaney Godbey, Elijah and Archer Swenson as well as sisters Cheryl (Larry) Neustal, Jeanne (Larry) Robins, and Gayle Franka, brothers in law Danny (Jackie) Schaefer, Marshall, MN, and Chuck (Laure) Schaefer, Eagan, MN, along with several nieces and nephews.
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