Robert L. Woodyard

CHARLESTON, IL – Robert Lowell Woodyard, age 93 of Charleston, passed away on Friday, October 19, 2018 while at his Charleston Rehab and Health Care Center residence.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, with Pastor Bill Hall officiating.  Burial, with military rites, will follow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston.  It is requested that donations in his honor be made to Lincolnland Hospice or to Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592.  Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Bob was born February 28, 1925 near Rardin, Illinois and was one of eight children born to the late Jessie R. and Flora (Coartney) Woodyard.  Bob was a graduate of Charleston High School class of 1943 and following graduation entered into active service with the United States Navy.  He honorably served his country during World War II until his discharge in April of 1946.  While working at Charleston National Bank as an assistant cashier, Bob met the love of his life, E. Jane Dowling and they were married on May 9, 1959.  He later went to work at Moore Business Forms in Charleston and after they closed was employed at E.I.U. as a building services employee.  He later accepted a position as a rural mail carrier for the Charleston Post Office and was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for eleven years before retiring.  Bob is survived by a sister, Gladys Lafferty of Charleston; a stepdaughter, Katsy Stewart of South Carolina; six grandchildren, Vicki Wade and husband Chuck of Lerna, Illinois, Ken Campbell and wife Carolyn of Missouri, Dan Campbell and wife Wendy of Rockford, Illinois, Mary Jane Ghrist and husband Bill of South Carolina, Kathy Ann Stewart and husband Randy Maxey and Barbie Zinkovich and husband Joseph all of North Carolina; numerous great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by Jane, his loving wife of 42 years; a stepdaughter, Janie Campbell; four sisters, Olive Cole, Inez Manning, Pauline Wright and Mary Hackett; and two brothers, John and Earl Woodyard.

For many years Bob was a member of the Charleston Community Church where he served as a deacon.  He also attended the Charleston Bible Church and First Church of God.  He was a member of many social and professional organizations throughout his life including Charleston Moose Lodge #1388, Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623, Mattoon Eagles, Kansas American Legion, Valley of Danville Scottish Rite, Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 A.F. & A.M., Ansar Shrine, and was a Life Member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 where he was a past Commander and Chaplain with the Honor Guard.Bob enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, an occasional round of golf, and was a lifelong avid and faithful fan of the Chicago Cubs.  He was always family oriented and truly looked forward to family gatherings and especially the yearly family reunion.  Bob’s humble spirit and his kind consideration of others created a true and faithful friend for many.  He always possessed a desire and willingness to help and was highly regarded and respected by all who knew him.