Walter J. Godwin, Air Force retiree

Walter “Turk" J. Godwin, 91, of Georgetown, passed away Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. He was born in Pottstown, Pa., Sept. 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 in 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 University of Delaware. By working part time and getting another scholarship, he was able to complete two years of college Dec. 21. 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 on 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 at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Dodd-Carey Chapel, 307 N. Bedford St., Georgetown, where friends and family may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 16669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.

Visit Turk’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.