John Spencer Woodyard was born the son of James Oliver Woodyard and Harriett E. (Buchanan) Woodyard on February 13, 1947, at Melrose Park, Illinois, and departed this life on March 23, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 68 years.
He was united in marriage on August 14, 1971, at Congress Park, Illinois, to Frances L. Gilliatt.
He is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Frances Woodyard of the home near Thayer, Missouri; two daughters, Kimberly Woodyard of Thayer, Missouri, and Karen Woodyard of Myrtle, Missouri; one son-in-law, Edward Riddiford of Myrtle, Missouri; four granddaughters, Kaitlin Campbell-Woodyard, Madeline Riddiford-Woodyard, Isabella Riddiford-Woodyard, and Skylar Riddiford-Woodyard; one brother, Terry L. Woodyard and wife, Gayle of Waller, Texas; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Harriett Woodyard.
John was a Veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army 1st Cavalry Division, during the Vietnam War.
He was a shop foreman for the Tafco Window Manufacturing Company in Schiller Park, Illinois for approximately forty years.
John and his family moved from the hustle and bustle of city life to the hills of the Ozarks in 2006. He immediately fell in love with country life and being outdoors. He enjoyed the solitude and beauty of God’s creation; watching wildlife, especially the deer; and working the land with his tractor. He liked to work with his hands, always tinkering, and was known to “fix anything.”
John was deeply devoted to his family, but his greatest pride and joy were his granddaughters.
He will truly be missed by his family, friends, and the community in which he lived.
A “Celebration of Life” for Mr. Woodyard will be Saturday, March 28, 2015, at 3:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.
The family will receive friends at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer on Saturday from 2:00 PM until time of the service at 3:00.
March 27, 2015 @ 4:22 pm
Rest in peace John, even though I have not seen you in years, you were never forgotten, as a wonderful person, who was always kind to everyone. May you be at peace now.
March 28, 2015 @ 7:24 am
Karen and family, so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad, may all of the special memories remain in your heart forever. Know I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
March 28, 2015 @ 10:17 am
Just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers . God be with you all and give you peace…. Cheryl and Ken Montez daughter in Murfreesboro, tn