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Kenneth Woodward Obituary
Lansing
Kenneth Charles Woodward died peacefully on October 20, 2016, at the age of 87. He was born April 6, 1929, in Carleton, MI, to Andrew and Marian Woodward. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1947, he attended Adrian College for 2 years and then served 2 years in the United States Army including 16 months in Germany. He received a bachelor's degree and teaching certificate from Michigan State University and a master's in Education from Western Michigan University. He had a teaching career at Otto Jr. High in Lansing, retiring in 1985.
Ken married Martha Hayden at Tecumseh Friends Church on August 4, 1956. This year they celebrated their 60th anniversary. Ken was a member at the University United Methodist Church. Ken and Martha enjoyed many years singing together in various choirs. He was an avid sports fan and was known for his loyalty to the MSU Spartans, Detroit Tigers and Lions, win or lose. He enjoyed playing chess and cribbage with his grandchildren and friends and was always up for a game of euchre. Ken's family and friends were most important to him and he was always interested in and loyal to everyone who came along his path.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Martha Hayden Woodward; sons, Kenneth Jr. (Kathie), Thomas (Sabrina) and Stephen (Carlotta); daughter, Jane Harrington; brothers, Harry and Jerry (Carol) of California and Art (Jan) of Colorado; sister, Diane (Hal) Buttrell of Washington; brothers-in-law, Bill Hayden (Lenore), John Hayden (Linda) and Kenyon Sprunger (Mary); sisters-in-law, Delores Woodward, Mary Jane Wells and Mickey Spreeman (Lee); grandchildren: Dustin, Crystal, Brian (Lisa), Andrea (Marc), Michael (Marla), Chelsey, Jacob, Gregory IV, John and Nick; great-grandchildren, Kinsley Woodward and Hudson Martineau; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother Robert Woodward; daughter-in-law, Cathy Woodward; son-in-law, Dr. Gregory Harrington III; grandson, Ryan Woodward; sisters-in-law, Nell Woodward and Betty Sprunger; brothers-in-law, Joseph Hayden and Ronald Wells; and nephew, Phillip Hayden.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at University United Methodist Church in East Lansing. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to University United Methodist Church, the Lansing City Rescue Mission, or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Woodward
Sponsored by Estes-Leadley Funeral Home - Lansing.
Theodore Bertrand Sr.
November 3, 2016
I remember Ken or "Woody" when I first met him while serving with the Medics in the second armored division Germany 1951.
We later became roommates at Michigan State University. Yes, he was a good man, respected by all who new him.
Marianne Sawyer-Brooks
November 3, 2016
I will always remember Mr Woodward from my 7th grade math class.... what a wonderful teacher that made such an impact on my life...he is one of the many teachers I will always love and remember! Prayers to family and friends of this dear man.
Beverly (Baldwin) Linderman
October 29, 2016
Ken (Mr. Woodward) was my 7th grade math teacher. He was one of my two favorite teachers at Otto and got me to love math. I remember what a kind and gentle soul he was. I've thought about him over the years, wondered how he was and have wanted to track him down to say thank you but, I never got the chance. So, to his family...know that he had a positive impact on many young lives. I adored him. He will be missed.
Ted Bertrand
October 27, 2016
Ken Woodward was always great to me and my family growing up in Lansing He was a great MSU fan I remeber a speech he gave at a wedding in the Kellogg center Old Spartans never die they just fade away
October 27, 2016
Dearest Martha
My sincerest sympathy of your loss. Special memories of the two of you.
Blessings & prayers
Jackie (Quick) Hinchcliff
Bobby Little
October 27, 2016
Jane , Steve, and the Woodward family, So sorry for your loss. I will have good thoughts for you.
Jeff Dravenstatt
October 26, 2016
Jane & Family -
So sorry to hear of you loss. My sincerest condolences...there will come a time when your grief will turn to pleasant memories....my prayers are with you all.
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Estes-Leadley Funeral Home - Lansing325 W Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933
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