Cordell "Corky" S. Godboldte

On July 1st, 2023, LTC Cordell “Corky” Spencer Godboldte (US Army Ret.) passed peacefully at his home in Crofton, Maryland, with his family at his side. Corky was born on May 27th, 1939 to Flora and Robert Godboldte in Tampa, FL. The Godboldte family moved north in the mid-1940s to settle in Reading, PA, where they would permanently call home.

Corky graduated from Reading High School in 1957 and then from West Chester University in West Chester, PA, in 1961, earning a Bachelor’s degree in education. Shortly after earning his degree, Corky enlisted in the US Army. A mustang officer, Corky attended Officer Candidate School and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant and Infantry Officer, in June of 1963. Twice in the late 1960’s, he would serve in Vietnam with one tour serving as the Company Commander, Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division. After completing his second tour of duty in Vietnam, Corky attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and earned his Master’s degree in physical education. His follow-on assignment was instructing cadets at the United States Military Academy of West Point, NY. His next notable assignment was as a Joint Intelligence Officer in the Republic of Panama, where he served from 1984-1989 and participated in Operation Just Cause. He completed his military career on June 30th, 1991 after 30 years of faithful and honorable service.

Corky’s awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal (2OCL), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (w/V device), Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Vietnam Service Medal (7), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Senior Parachutist Badge.    

After retiring from the Army, Corky moved his family to Crofton, MD where he continued his professional career. He attended the University of Maryland in Baltimore County and earned a second Master’s degree in English for speakers of other Languages. He then worked well into his 70’s teaching EsoL in Prince George’s County, MD before retiring a second time.

From a very early age, Corky cherished his relationship with the church. He credited much of his life’s successes to the early care and opportunities he received from the Reading, PA area Mennonite church and YMCA. Since moving to Crofton in 1991, Corky truly treasured all of the friendships and memories made over the course of over three decades as a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rochelle “Bobby”. He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Barrows (Jameel), Jessica Queior (Matt); his sons, Jacob (Rebecca) and Spencer; brother, Irvin; and his grandchildren, Anthony and Ayanna Barrows, Alexander Queior, and Theo Godboldte.

Services are planned for July 11th at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1370 Defense Hwy, Gambrills, MD, 21054. His final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery.