Otis Henry Woodard Sr. of West Pawlet passed away at his home on Thursday, July 24, 2008 following a long illness.
Otis was born on Feb. 28, 1928 in East Arlington, Vt., the son of Warren Henry and Violet (King) Woodard.
Otis initially served in the US Marine Corp during World War II. When the war ended he returned home and was employed at Telescope Folding Furniture. Otis joined the US Army, serving with the Army Air Corp. In 1947, the US Army Air Corp. became the US Air Force. Otis made the decision to join the US Air Force and become career military. He then served in both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. His military service involved transporting blood and medical supplies. He had achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon his retirement from the military he returned to Granville. His stellar military career was evidenced by Otis being the recipient of Good Conduct medals from the Marine Corp., the Army Air Corp. and the US Air Force. He again worked for a time at Telescope Folding Furniture. He took an early retirement from Telescope when it was offered. Otis was also employed for a time at OTB. Never one to be idle for long, Otis volunteered at the former Emma Laing Stevens Hospital as an aide delivering meal trays to patients. Otis enjoyed his involvement in Green Mountain Seniors. He served as both President and Vice President of the organization. He was a member of the American Legion and the Ancient Order of Foresters. Otis enjoyed the outdoors and spent time fishing for trout in local streams in addition to hunting. Being an avid bowler, Otis had the distinction of bowling a 299 game.
In addition to his parents, Otis was predeceased by two sons: Frederick Woodard Lemery and Tim Otis Woodard, a great granddaughter Alexis Ballard and three brothers: Raymond Woodard, Jr., Donald Woodard and Gordon Woodard. Survivors are his wife Jane (Dudley) Woodard, a son Captain Otis H. Woodard Jr. of Syracuse (an Army Recruiter where Otis Sr. also served as an Air Force Recruiter from 1955-1956), and two daughters Polly Ann Curtis and her husband Stephen of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and Peggy Woodard of San Diego, California. Also surviving is a brother, Lynn Woodard and his wife Susan of Concord, NH and four sisters: Madeline Woodard of Catskill, NY, Gail Dayton of Tarryville, CT, Virginia Gould and her husband Glenn Gould Sr. of Pawlet, VT and Joan Mattison and her husband Carl of Wells, VT. In addition there are 10 surviving grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. in Veteran’s Park, Quaker St. Granville with full military honors being accorded. The family invited military personnel in attendance to join the family at a gathering at Bernardo’s Restaurant, following the service.
The family requested that flowers be omitted.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church St. Granville, NY.
