Obituary of Dean Woodward

Lt Col Dean Ralph Woodward (US Army Ret) died at home after a short illness on February 6, 2016. Born in Ingalls, Arkansas in November 1924, “Woody” was the youngest child of Rufus and Cora (Clements) Woodward. Dean spent his youth working with his family on a pioneering tomato farm. He was a US Marine Corps Veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific Theater. During the Korean War, Dean served as a US Army Officer whose duties also included an assignment at the White House. He had the honor to travel as Communications Officer with President Harry Truman on his “Whistle Stop Tour.” Dean later earned an Electrical Engineering Degree from Texas A&M University and worked in advanced technical communications at many Army posts both in the United States and Europe. He was honored for his distinguished service with the Army Commendation Medal. Following his military retirement, Dean worked in computer applications and communications in private industry in Pennsylvania, Texas, and in oil fields of the Middle East. After retirement, Dean applied his energy and passion to providing clean water for children. With a Rotary Foundation Grant, he designed and initiated a water filtration system in Honduras. In 2014, Dean had the honor to return with five fellow Marines to their 1943 Pacific Battle site at Tarawa. He established Clean Water for the Pacific to provide lifesaving water filters to the Tarawa Island descendants. Dean is survived by his wife Patsy of Pittsburg, TX; sons Tom and wife Laura of West Chester, PA, John and wife Renee of Rydal, PA; daughter Debra Franke and husband Gary of Cleveland, OH; stepchildren Scott Knebel and wife Stephanie of Derby, KS, Kristen Madison and husband Tim of Palm Harbor, FL; grandchildren Katie Olsen and husband Brian, and Paul Woodward; step grandchildren Axel Madison and wife Amber, Page Madison, Perri Haftel and husband Chad, and Lindsay Nemec and husband Eric; great grandsons Sam Nemec, Luke Haftel, and Oakley and Ryker Madison; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many friends won over by his warm hospitality and charm. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Roscoe and Paul; sisters Almedia Clanton and Lucille Clanton; wife Anne, the Mother of his children; and two nephews. A memorial service will be held at The First United Methodist Church, Pittsburg, TX on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 3 PM with family visitation to follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clean Water for the Pacific, P O Box 1307, Pittsburg, TX 75686 or First United Methodist Church, 109 College, Pittsburg, TX 75686 or a charity of your choice.