Jess Woodman Obituary
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GODFREY - Jess O. Woodman, Jr., 82, of Godfrey left this world after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 9:43 p.m. to be with his Lord.
Born on October 24, 1932 in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of Jess O. Woodman, Sr. and Irene Marie (Deorio) Woodman. His family also lived in Oklahoma. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was married to the former Peggy Means for 26 years until her passing. They had four children. Jess married Amy Ensley on June 9, 1978, and she survives. On February 3, 2002, his life was transformed when he asked Jesus into his heart. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, Ill. Following in his father's footsteps he became a collision repair specialist working at area dealerships and then opened Custom Auto Body and later Woodman Auto Body in Alton. After retiring from the collision business Jess worked and retired as a claims adjuster with Sentry Insurance Company and then for eleven years managed the Bethalto Wash-N-Go. He was a boxer as a young man, drag raced throughout the Midwest, and enjoyed street rodding and membership in the FBI (a car club-Fat Boys of IL).
His children include Jess H. Woodman (Ginger) of Godfrey, Stacie R. Woodman of East Alton, Darrell R. Woodman (Linnette) of Lafayette, Ind., and Theresa Taylor (David) of Camdenton, Mo. A son, Danny L. Woodman died on February 3, 1981. He was proud of his grandchildren, Chad (Meredith), Ryan (Samantha), Luke, and Emma Woodman, Justin Skurat, and Bethany and Crystal Woodman whom he adopted and raised. He adored his great-grandchildren, Clay, Elle, Owen, Lilly, and Kailey Woodman, Makaylah Harrington, and Silas Skurat. Also surviving are three sisters, Shirley Lyerla, Irene Besaw, and Dina Reed.
His two brothers, Paul and Bill Woodman preceded him in death.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Gent Funeral Home. A celebration with full military honors will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, at Calvary Baptist Church in Alton. Reverend Andre Dobson will officiate.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Wounded Warriors.
Online guest book and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sherry (Wooley) Meyer
June 13, 2015
RIP Jess
Phil & Sherry (Wooley) Meyer
June 13, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cheri Azzarello
June 12, 2015
Stacie & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
June 9, 2015
I HAVE GOOD MEMORIES OF COUSIN JESSE...GROWING UP IN ALTON...
BERNICE MEYERS WESTERHOLD
CARY,NC
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June 9, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Edall's
Ed File
June 9, 2015
My thoughts and prayers for the entire Woodman family. Jess will be deeply missed by everyone that new him.
Jeff Woodman
June 9, 2015
To All,
I have very fond and fun memories growing up for a short time in Alton, on Brown street as a child. The family was full, strong, and around all the time. We would gather at the dinner table and the family would discuss the day, and at times problems, and do what we could to fix them. We shared everything. Darrell and I would race our toy cars around the house and at times get yelled at, then Uncle Jess would kneel down to the floor and play with us. It's the small things we don't notice at first, but in time we realise those small things taken for granted builds character and the moral ground we stand on today. My Uncle Jess was a Damn good man, a Humanitarian man, and Patriot. From a distance now, I love him still as I did then.
Amy Fischer (Willard)
June 8, 2015
I am sorry that you are experiencing such a significant loss! I am sending my warm thoughts and prayers for your family's comfort and support.
Carol Glascock
June 8, 2015
I am so sorry for your lost, he was a dear man and one of the last fun times I remember with him was a SS fellowship we were playing a game and he laughed so hard, it was so sweet to see him happy and I am sure he is happy with the Lord!
Carol Glascock
Theresa Taylor
June 8, 2015
To the greatest dad ever!!! You will always be "superman" to me!!! My deepest love and respect goes with you. I love you and will miss you deeply till we meet again. Your daughter, Theresa
Steve Besaw
June 7, 2015
YOU WILL BE MISSED DEEPLY AND LOVED FOREVER!!!
Karla Poindexter
June 7, 2015
I have many fond memories of Jess, most especially from my younger years when we were neighbors. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say. He will most definitely be missed!
My deepest sympathies go out to the entire family. May God wrap his loving arms around you and grant you peace in your time of grief!
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2409 State Street, Alton, IL 62002
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