CLAUDE WOODLEY

Claude was born in Warsaw, NY., on October 24, 1923, and passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at the age of 88. Major Woodley entered service in 1942 as a U.S. Air Force Cadet. Upon graduating from flying school he flew 30 missions over Germany during 1944-45 as a navigator with the 305th Bomb Group 8th Air Force. After WWII he continued his Air Force service, flying 30 missions over North Korea with the 22nd Bomb Group 15th Air Force. The last eight years of his service career was as a B52 Navigation Instructor at Castle Air Force Base. He retired from the Air Force in 1963. After achieving a Master's Degree in Economics from Fresno State College, Woody returned to Castle in 1966 as a civilian technician for flight training. He worked in this capacity until he retired in 1979. Woody was well known as an avid cyclist in the Fresno area. He loved bicycling and participated until age 87. He and his wife Beth enjoyed motor home travel, visiting most of the western states and Canada. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and refinished many beautiful pieces. The family would like to thank the staff in C.I.C.U. at St. Agnes for their excellent care. He is survived by his loving wife Beth; his children, Claudia Montgomery, and James Woodley; and daughter-in-law, Sylvia Woodley, Susan Leonard, James Leonard, and daughter-in-law, Kelly Leonard, Thomas Leonard and daughter-in-law, Libi Geddes; and his eight grandchildren. A Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Veterans Affairs, Att: Al Perry, 2615 E Clinton, Fresno, Ca., 93703.