Herbert "Bo" L. Woodruff, Jr.

Herbert "Bo" L. Woodruff, 78, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away September 15, 2025. Born October 30, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, to Herbert and Hazel Woodruff, Bo lived a life brimming with love, lots of conversation, and generosity.

Raised in Lepanto, Arkansas, where he was known as Herby, Bo moved to California after high school, eager for new adventures. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, and served in Vietnam, where he met Ling, his future wife, while eating at a restaurant during a night off from duties. They shared a memorable first date at the zoo in March 1969, which blossomed into their marriage in December 1972, followed by moving to California to begin their family in 1974.

Bo earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration while launching a 40-year career in the insurance industry, working in California, Oklahoma, Florida, and Missouri. His nickname "Bo" was coined by a spirited elderly client who adored his charm and his ‘bowlegs’. He was Sergeant First Class in the Army Reserves in both Oklahoma and Florida before retiring 1996. After retiring from the Insurance industry, Bo and Ling ran several dry-cleaning businesses in Platte City, Kansas City, and Liberty.

Bo’s warmth and generosity defined him. Known for never meeting a stranger, he loved engaging in heartfelt conversations with anyone nearby. He gave second, third, and even fourth chances—never giving up on people. A passionate advocate for veterans, Bo fundraised to provide track chairs to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, enabling individuals living with disabilities the ability to enjoy nature. He was an active volunteer in local elections and loved researching family history. Bo had a love for Jesus and enjoyed attending Pleasant Valley Baptist Church until his health declined. Above all, Bo cherished his grandchildren, proudly attending their school and sporting events and trick-or-treating with them. His love for popcorn, hamburgers, and sharing a beer with friends was legendary.

Bo is survived by his beloved wife, Ling Woodruff; his son, Herbert Woodruff III (Diane), and grandson Kingston Woodruff; his daughter, Victoria Cannon (Paul), and grandchildren Sydney Boyer, Drew Cason, Morgan Cannon, Bryce Cannon, and Lane Cannon; and his daughter, Terri Michelle Bryant, and grandchildren Chris Ingle, and Nicole Barnes; six great-granddaughters; one great-great-grandson; his four sisters, Catherine Ann, Marilyn Fay, Christine Eve, and Donna Gale (Jimmy); and many nephews and nieces.

A visitation will be held at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 Rte 291, Liberty, MO 64068. His final resting place will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Bo Woodruff to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church by going online to   https://pv.churchcenter.com/giving   or to Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation by going online to    https://mochf.org/donate-online/.

Bo’s infectious spirit and boundless kindness will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.