Jerry Woods, 77, of Sullivan, passed away Friday, February 17, 2017 at his home due to natural causes.
Jerry was born in the hills of Crawford County, MO on Oct. 27, 1939 the son of Oran and Dorothy (Irving) Woods.
He grew up fast and worked hard all of his life; from sawmills to three tours in Vietnam to a thirty-year career overseeing maintenance for six western states for the Federal government at the Tracy, California Depot.
During his time with the US Navy, Jerry married Karen Shaffer on June 28, 1957 in California. To this union three children were born: Jerry Jr., Cheryl, and Shawn.
After retiring, Jerry returned home to his beloved Missouri in 1993 and built a home on property that had formerly been his uncle’s farm. He once again had time to pursue his passion of training horses! His patience and persistence were unsurpassed and many a green colt became a bomb proof horse. In addition, those horses’ owners had found a lifelong friend in Jerry. Countless days in the saddle with friends passed with laughter and song.
Jerry is survived by his children, Cheryl Lundy and Jerry Woods, Jr. both of California; a sister Pat Trent of Morristown, TN; a brother, Harry Woods (and wife, Lois) of Texas; five grandchildren; one great grandson; sweetheart, Carol; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his son, Shawn; his parents; two sisters, Betty McCormick and Ginny Smith; a half-brother, Hershel; and two half sisters, Lucille Schmuke and Peggy Haskell.
Many will miss this strong man who changed the world with his hands and heart.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place from 5-7 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with a Song/Prayer service at 6:30. A private burial will be at Liberty Cemetery, Steeleville, MO.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan.