David Casey Goddard

Friday, Aug. 15, 2025

David Casey Goddard

After many years, many friends and touching the lives of many, many people, someone special has moved on to a new life with Jesus Christ and the loved ones who preceded him. 

Born in Salt Lake City, David faithfully served the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City as a priest for over 20 years in Moab, Midvale, Ogden, West Jordan and Bountiful. After much deliberation and prayer, in 1976 he decided to make a career change and moved to southern California, where he advanced to director of the Office of Executive Programs at TRW Inc., a major aerospace company. His people and language skills gave him the ability to accomplish much both in the United States and in Europe. 

While employed at TRW David met Elke Von Gessen, who made his life complete as his wife for 44 years. They were married in 1981, resided in Manhattan Beach, California, then retired to Jacksonville, Oregon in 1989, enjoying life together in the Rogue River Valley for 35 years.

His neighbors in the Paradice Rd./Westmont/MaryAnn Dr. neighborhood of Jacksonville, Oregon will deeply miss David, who was loved and respected as a good friend and knowledgeable guide to the history and environment of the area. Most of them had their first encounter with Dave as he and his wife Elke devoutly walked their dogs every day. Dave and Elke were always willing to stop and chat.

David is survived by his wife Elke, nieces and nephews and his loyal furry friend Toby. He was preceded in death by his parents Edith and David W. Goddard, brother Jacques Goddard and sisters Marilyn Qualey and Edith Catlin. 

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Parish in Medford, Oregon on August 22, 2025.