Cecil Edward Woodward, 89, of Callaway, Neb., passed away Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at the Callaway Good Life Center.
He was born Sept. 19, 1936, in Callaway to Merril and Esther (Rarden) Woodward. He attended public school in Callaway and graduated from Callaway High School with the Class of 1954.
Cecil enlisted in the United States Army in 1957 where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on Jan. 31, 1959.
On Aug.10, 1959, Cecil married Hazel Harvey. Four children were blessed to this union - Jeral, Joe, Janel and Jon. This marriage would later end. He would soon find love again and was united in marriage to Jean Hergenrader on July 7, 2001, bringing a blended family together with Krysti and Scott.
Cecil worked in various jobs in Cozad and owned the Body Fender Repair and later painted cars at H&H Body Shop.
In 1970, his family made their home in Callaway where he owned the Sinclair Service Station then worked for the Village of Callaway doing maintenance and repairs. He also spent many years working for the Co-op Station (now Country Partners) until his retirement in 2001.
Cecil was greatly involved in his community throughout the years. He was a charter member of the Cozad Elks Lodge and held many positions in the Lions Club. He was a member of the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years, was a village board member for 14 years, and has been a Grand Generation Manor Board Member since 1974.
Although Cecil kept his plate full of work and volunteering, he always had time for friends who needed a ride to medical appointments or to enjoy a cup of coffee. Cecil was a founding and active member at the Callaway Lutheran Church.
During his down time, Cecil enjoyed being outdoors looking for wildlife, long country drives and spending time at the soddy. He often hunted, fished and went camping with his family. He was an avid pool player and enjoyed traveling. He loved to keep his garden meticulous and always had a deep adoration for classic cars.
His greatest love was being with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who always kept him busy with their activities and sports.
Survivors include his daughters Jeral (Sam) Tillman of Omaha and Janel (Rod) Brestel of Callaway; daughter-in-law Amanda Woodward of Beatrice; Krysti (Steve) Cunningham of Omaha; Scott (Pam) Hergenrader of Cozad; sister Peggy Holeman of Arcadia; sister-in-law Jo Woodward of Loveland, Colo.; brother-in-law Rich Elliott of Lone Oak, Texas; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; special friend Jo Keyser of Callaway; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Besides his parents and wife Jean, Cecil was preceded in death by his two sons Joe and Jon; brothers Larry (Jo Ann) Woodward and Gail Woodward; sisters Detta (Jack) Wright and Carolyn Elliott; and brother-in-law Dick Holeman.
Funeral services were Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Callaway Community Center in Callaway with Joyce Kolbo, P.M.A. and Ken Pitkin, officiating. The service was live-steamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook page.
Visitation was Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m.
Burial with Military Honors was after the service at the Waldheim Cemetery in rural Callaway.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the Grand Generation Manor or Callaway Good Life Center.
Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington was honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting:
reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.Published by Custer County Chief from Oct. 3 to Oct. 12, 2025.