Sean David Godbold

June 16, 1968 - Oct. 31, 2008

On the morning of October 31, 2008, Sean David Godbold was welcomed into Heaven by his grandparents Dave and Dottie Young, his sister Kari Smith and his cousin and hunting partner Michael Young. Sean was born to Carol and Bert Stevenson June 16, 1968 in Concordia, Kansas. Carol married Charles Godbold in 1972, giving Sean and his brother Stefan the best stepfather they could ask for and two new sisters, Dixie and Kari. The word step-father quickly vanished when Charlie legally adopted both boys and loved, supported, counseled and protected them fiercely every day since. Sean and his family moved from Salina, Kansas to Houston, Texas in 1976 when Charlie's employer, Texaco Inc., transferred him there. After the move to Texas, Sean and the family continued to travel back to Kansas. For 32 years, the family traveled back to Concordia each summer and Christmas to spend time with Dave and Dottie. Sean and his Granddad Dave had a very special relationship as fishing and hunting partners. Sean was Granddad's best fishing partner, and they always had many tales to tell. At age 16, Sean was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. He struggled with that disease the next 24 years while trying to enjoy his life. Sean attended Hancock Elementary, Bleyl Junior High and graduated from Cypress Creek High School in 1987. He then attended North Harris County Community College in Houston and later graduated from technical school at Texas A&M in College Station, TX. He worked as a technician for Danka, CTWP and then NJ Malin for many years. He was extremely gifted with electronics and woodworking. Sean had a passion for many different hobbies. He loved and appreciated many kinds of music, a love of Sousa marches that he shared with Granddad Dave to country music to AC/DC rock and roll, and he played piano, guitar and tuba. His all-time favorite music artist was John Denver. He passed along his love of music to his son, David. He loved rooting for the Houston Texans, Rockets and Astros. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and absolutely loved the state of Kansas and "Granddad's brick plant," and he traveled back to Concordia every chance he got. The only thing Sean loved more than a new electronic gadget was taking it apart and figuring out how it worked. Sean's love for all those things paled in comparison to the love he had for his seven-year-old son who lived with him, David Aubrey Godbold. Never was there a closer bond between father and son. Sean taught David so much, and they did everything together -- camping, fishing, hunting, football, baseball, soccer and more. Our hearts ache knowing David will grow up with his daddy in his heart but not by his side. Sean always said that David was the best thing he had ever done. We just have to trust that God has a better plan. Sean believed in eternal life and Jesus his savior. He attended Metropolitan Baptist Church in Houston. Sean was preceded in death by his grandparents Dave and Dottie Young, his sister Kari Godbold Smith and his cousins Michael David Young & Eric Welsh. Sean is survived by the light of his life, his son David Aubrey, as well as his parents Carol and Charlie Godbold, his biological father Bert Stevenson, his brother Stefan Godbold, his sister Dixie and husband Mark Vanderwiele, brother-in-law Bernard Smith and grandmother Caroline Atkinson. Sean is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Sean is also survived by his former wife, Laurie Williams, the mother of his beloved son David. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church, Concordia, KS with Rev. Helen Moore Schroeder and Rev. Bradley Young officiating and the family will greet friends for an hour prior to the services. Visitation will be held from 5-9 PM Wed., Nov. 5, 2008 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home. For those desiring, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. For more information or online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.