Joe Goddard, who had measured, practically every inch of McLennan County during his 46-year tenure of the county surveyor’s office, died at his home, 1909 South Ninth Street.
Mr. Goddard had retired last November ending an almost continuous reign of Goddard’s in the surveyors office since 1885. Mr. Goddard’s father , Dr. Andrew Goddard held he post for 16 years before Joe took over the chain from him.
He remained in office continually until the time of his retirement except for the years 1931-1932 when he resigned in favor of J. D. Gordon. He returned in 1933 and took up his duties again.
The commissioners court asked
Joe Goddard to take the post as an appointive position in 1933 but he refused saying the office was a public trust and as such the surveyor should be elected by the people.

He was held in high regard for his surveying of McLennan County and could without consulting his maps draw plats for deeds for most any portion of the county. One of the favorite sayings of his deputies was that “Joe Goddard can walk a mule to death in heavy brush”.

Born in Cedar Bayou, Texas March 13, 1871, Joe Goddard moved to McLennan County at the age of 11 with his parents where his father took over the post of surveyor.

He was married to the former Miss Hallie Frazer of Whitney, June 21, 1913.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p. m. Monday at Wilkirson- Hatch Chapel with Dr. Forest C, Feezor officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
Survivors include: his Widow: Mrs. Hallie Goddard, one son, Joe Goddard Jr. of Waco, one daughter, Mrs. William L. Middleton of Corpus Christi; two grandchildren; three brothers, Dave Goddard of Waco, John Goddard of Sandea; Parker Goddard of San Francisco; three sisters, Mrs. Jessie Barrett of Waco, Mrs. Sallie Copeland of Waco. Mrs. Mary Bonner of Mexia.

Waco News Tribune 9-11-1950