Kenneth “Ken” Godwin Jr., 80, died Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Grant Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
He was born July 24, 1943, to Kenneth Sr. and June (Shaffer) Godwin in Grafton.
He is survived by his sister, Judy (David) Sinsel; nephew, Jonathan (Sarah) Sinsel; and several cousins.
Ken received both his bachelor’s (1966) and master’s degrees (1970) from West Virginia University, where he served as assistant band director for two years and as an instructor of WVU’s Fine Arts Summer Camps (1966-68). He completed his postgraduate work in Italy (1968-70). He touched the lives of literally thousands of people, through music, during his long and varied career.
While choral director at Grafton High School (1966-98), Ken built the department into a nationally acclaimed group. Memorable singing performances included the White House in Washington, D.C., for President Richard Nixon, the West Virginia State Capitol for many governors and for former President Jimmy Carter, the Today show in New York City and many more. In 1970, he founded one of the first show choirs in the eastern United States, the GHS Entertainers, whose musical and theatrical efforts won them numerous awards and significant attention and that still exists today.
Ken served as music director, and often producer, for over 100 musical theater productions at Grafton High School, Bridgeport High School, summer stock in Boston, Mass. (two years), West Virginia Public Theater’s Summer Camp (four years) and various community groups in both West Virginia and Florida.
A highlight for Ken was co-directing the West Virginia Crippled Children’s Camp (14 years). He earned numerous awards during his career, including West Virginia Teacher of the Year (1982), West Virginia Education Fund Outstanding Educator (1989) and Who’s Who Among Teachers (1990).
In his lifetime, Mr. Godwin served as church organist and choir director at numerous churches in Grafton, Clarksburg and Morgantown, as well as in Florida. He also often produced musicals at these churches, as well as special cantatas for Christmas and Easter. His most recent position was as choir director at First Presbyterian Church, Morgantown, where he continued to provide virtual musical support during the pandemic.
Since returning to West Virginia from Florida, he enjoyed leading the Monongalia Arts Center community choir, MAC GLEE, in Morgantown (2013-19), which produced two successful large-scale concerts each year.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 456 Spruce St., Morgantown, at 4 p.m. May 26.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to WVU Foundation at 1 Waterfront Place, 7th floor, P.O. Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650 or online at give.wvu.edu, with the designation for the Kenneth O. Godwin Jr. Scholarship (3S614).
