Gilmer 'Bud' Godbold

Godbold, Gilmer “Bud” Edward 90, native Arizonian, passed away on August 13, 2014. Born January 14, 1924 to Blueford Clarence and Roxanna (Swartz) Godbold and raised in Tempe where he worked the family farm that covered many acres south of downtown Tempe. A Navy veteran, who in WWII was a landing boat pilot in the PTO doing runs in Guam, Saipan and Iwo Jima, where he witnessed the raising of the U.S. flag. After the war, while attending Arizona State College, he met and married Gladys Lorraine Wilson and settled in Phoenix where he went to work for ‘Ma Bell’. While working on phones at Cudia City, he was offered a role on “26 Men” but chose to stay with his steadier job. Bud was often mistaken for the “Rifleman” by autograph seekers. Bud loved hunting, fishing and all things outdoors. He was a very active volunteer with Boy Scout Troop 230 and ‘BellCo Rod & Gun’ club. And Bud always knew the best coffee shops in any given area. Retiring from ‘Ma Bell’ after 36 years, he moved to Williams, AZ for 23 years and then his last years were in Cottonwood. Preceded in death by his brother Garland “Gary”. Survived by his wife Lorraine of 67 years, son Kenneth (Susan), daughter Roxanna Overbee (Don), twin sister Gertrude Patrenos, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.