Edward P Cody

Obituary Edward P. Cody was born on December 14, 1923 in Lincoln, Nebraska to deaf mute parents Edward Michael and Stacia (Kuta) Cody. His younger years were spent growing up on his parent's farm in Cheney, Nebraska. During the Depression, the family moved back to Lincoln where Ed along with brother, Gene, sold newspapers and magazines on the street corners to help supplement the family income. He graduated from Lincoln High School and was drafted into the Navy. During World War II he served on the aircraft carrier, USS Belleau Wood. At the end of the war, he married his childhood sweetheart, Neola Bills in Lincoln, Nebraska. They chose to start their married life Tacoma, Washington. Over time, two daughters joined the family. In 1963, Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot where Edward was employed through Federal Civil Service was closed. The family relocated to Manteca, California. This began the next phase of his Civil Service career at Sharpe Army Depot in Lathrop, California. After the passing of his first wife, Neola, he remarried in 1974 to Rosalie McClelland and continued living in California. Upon retiring from his Federal Civil Service career of thirty years, he took a new direction by becoming an American Sign Language interpreter. His retirement brought opportunities to devote more time to parish community life, travel extensively, and play in the casinos. In 1998, the death of his second wife prompted the move to return to Tacoma, Washington. His Catholic faith was first and foremost in his life. He was a long time standing member of the Knights of Columbus. The love of family was paramount to him always being ready with a helping hand, encouraging words, or just I love you. His many friends were a treasure he valued. His sense of humor kept everyone laughing and wondering what he would come up with next time. If he was asked, ‘How are you feeling?' his typical response was ‘with my fingers!' He also had a great love of country; many memories were associated with his World War II service. He was dedicated to helping and honoring current and past military. He stayed involved with the Armed Guard until his death. Towards the end of Ed's life, his health slowed his activity greatly. One of his greatest comforts was his cat companions, his renewed interest in antique cars and his grandchildren keeping him 80 plus years young. His life was spent in service to others, immediate and extended family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. He was preceded in death by his younger siblings, Eugene Cody, and Marjorie (Cody) Stockwell and by granddaughter, Alissa and step-daughters, Sue and Leslie. He is survived by daughters; Deborah (Cody) DeWitt, husband Robert, Pauline (Cody) Hurd, and husband Terry, grandchildren; Sandra, Monica, Edward, Jessica, Caleb, Theresa, Veronica-Josephine, husband Adam and great-granddaughter; Breeana. And the daughter of his heart, Dianne Sullivan and husband Mark. Also step-sons Larry and Brian McClelland and numerous step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Catholic Relief Services or to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.