Harold J. Woodford

Harold J. "Woody" Woodford died Thursday, July 26, 2012. in Lubbock, TX. He was 86.

Woody was born July 1, 1926, to Harold and Louise Woodford in Topeka, KS. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and served on the U.S.S. Hugh W. Hadley during WW II. He was also a veteran of the Korean War. He attended Washburn University and was a member of the tennis team. On April 10, 1949, he married L. Annabelle Smith. She preceded him in death. He worked more than 30 years for Santa Fe Railroad, primarily at Union Station in Kansas City, MO. He retired to Topeka, KS, where he was an avid bowler and enjoyed refinishing antique furniture in his early retirement years. Later, he lived in Hays, KS, and Oakley, KS, where he was very active in the Senior Companion Program. He had a positive outlook, enjoyed life to the fullest, and continued to stay active.

Survivors include sons: Phillip of Spokane, WA, Bruce of Portales, NM, and Bradley of Lee's Summit, MO; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, KS. The family will great friends for 1/2 an hour before the service. Interment will be immediately following at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Companion Program at Fort Hays State University, 600 Park Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.