Merlin Keith Godfrey

Merlin Keith Godfrey, 83, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024, at his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Keith was born May 2, 1941, in Idaho Falls to Merlin Lloyd Godfrey and Ruth Garnetta Humphries Godfrey. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1959 and went on to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oklahoma.

He married his beloved first wife, Lyla Marr Ferguson Godfrey, in 1963, and they enjoyed 43 years together until her passing in 2006. Keith was a dedicated father to their four children and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to their eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In 2007, he married the second great love of his life, Lori Godfrey, who brought him four additional children and another thirteen grandchildren.

He was a true patriot and an active member of his community. He continued a legacy of service to country by following in his grandfather and father's shoes while serving as a Reserve Deputy for the Bonneville County Sheriff's Department in the early 1970s. He had a distinguished career as a contractor for over 50 years, building custom homes and remodeling kitchens across the Snake River Valley and Wyoming, including constructing military housing in Grand Forks, ND, Mt. Home, ID, and Albuquerque, NM. He was involved in the Idaho Falls Homebuilders Association, serving on the Board of Directors and later as Vice President from 1977 to 1978. His work took him many places, including Gilroy and Monterey, California, where he helped renovate historical buildings and remodel department stores, and even to the island of Kauai where he constructed new homes. In his "retirement," he volunteered to build custom cabinetry for an addition to the Idaho Falls Museum of History which honored him for his service. He also held various church positions throughout his life and had a passion for woodworking, hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling.

Keith is survived by his wife, Lori; two sisters, Carol Ostermiller and Sherry Lott; his four children, Kelly, Daniel (Laurie Hossner), Matthew (Pam Godfrey), and Kristin (David Nielsen); Lori's four children, Jennifer Leardi, Farrell Hunt (Morgan), Jay Eaton (Angel), and Marilee Hunt; grandchildren, Kylie, Kamryn, Colton, and Miguel Godfrey, Cole Wharton, Kelsie (Colton) Wetzel, Logan (Logan Miley) Godfrey, Karlie (Hayden) Woolstenhulme, Chloe, Zach Nielsen, Eryn (Brady) Holverson, and Mariella, Victoria, Gabriel, and Farrell Leardi, Radford, Olive, Rigbe, Rossilyn and Elliot Hunt, Kenidee, Max, Andie, and Ben Eaton; great grandchildren, Aiden Wetzel, Corbin Landon, Lainee Woolstenhulme, and Evelyn Wetzel.

The family wishes to thank the staff at SYMBII Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care of Keith. In lieu of flowers or donations, please, go fishing and "reel in a big one" in Keith's memory.

Keith will be remembered most for his dedication to his family and unwavering integrity, but also his kind heart, knowing grin, big hands, and strong stature. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating Keith's life and legacy.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Idaho Falls Pioneer Ward Chapel, 2020 S. Charlotte Dr.. The family will visit with friends Friday, June 28, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, and 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Services will be live streamed here .