Godfrey Powell, 78, was born October 1, 1938 to Naomi Buseer and Perry (Buddy) Powell. He was a Kansas City, Kansas native. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his daughter Ramona Goodseal. Godfrey was an only child and he received his education in Kansas City, MO. Also, he served honorably in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963. Before his passing, Godfrey was one of the surviving 6-big band musicians from the original American Federation of Musicians #627. He was an accomplished musician; playing symphony in the Kansas City Philharmonics as one of the first African Americans playing the trumpet. He played jazz since the mid 1960's at Musicians Protective Union and a Gold Card membership holder with the American Federation Musicians 34-627. He played with a number of bands and orchestra's, including Eddie Baker's New Breed Orchestra, Junior Williams Big Band, Willie Rice's Big Band and the Elder Statesmen of KC Jazz Little Big Band. His last performance was Thursday December 15, 2016 at the Blue Room on 18th & Vine for the annual Musicians Appreciation Day Dinner sponsored by the CODA Jazz Fund, American Jazz Museum and the Elder Statesmen of KC Jazz. Additionally, he was a member of Mutual Musician Foundation. He was an Elder Statesmen of Kansas City Jazz and played in its Big Band until his on January 16, 2017. Godfrey leaves his children to cherish his memory: Eric Hagens (Vanessa), Karen Hauck (Robert), Dena Hagens, Godfrey Powell Jr. (Jennifer), Naomi Wells (Kevin), Alberta Forbes, Naomi Hill (William). He also leaves a special friend Janette Stevenson, and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 24, 11:00 a.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.