Tom Fox Woodward

Tom Fox Woodward, 92, of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away on the evening of Monday, May 13, 2019 at Holzer Senior Care. Tom was born January 28, 1927 to Captain Tom F. and Sallie E. Sawyer Woodward. Tom was a 1945 graduate of Gallia Academy High School. Tom enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944 and received his diploma while stationed overseas. Tom was in the US Navy until 1946 and later became a member of the United States Air Force, stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Aviation Cadet Navigation Training from 1950-1953. Tom worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 30 years, was a member of the Gallia County Farm Service agency for 50 years, spent 22 years for the State of Ohio as a Green Township Trustee, was a 65 year member of the Patriot Masonic Lodge, and was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #107. Tom married Thelma “Hanner” Johnson of New Haven, West Virginia in 1953. They spent 56 years on the family farm together on State Route 775 until her death in August of 2009. Tom raised gladiolas, sweet corn, hay, tobacco, and cattle. Tom was so proud of the farm. He spoke of it as if it were alive, and it was very much a part of him and his family. Tom is survived by a son, Tombo (Jackie) Woodward of Gallipolis; four daughters, Terri (Ken) Moore of Point Pleasant, Tami Evans of Gallipolis, Tonya Kelley of Cheshire, and Tandi (Mark) Moore of Pomeroy; and his beloved dog Frank. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Tom’s grandchildren and great grandchildren include grandson, Rob (Mariah) Woodward of Wheelersburg and their four children, Grace, Graer, Greta, and Gradie Jo; granddaughter, Morgan (Todd) Houck of Gallipolis and their three children, Wes, Hannah, and Harper; grandson, Tyler (Rachael) Kelley and their three children, Tytien, Harrison, and Milo; granddaughter, Laura (Cody Hale) Kelley of Thurman; and granddaughter, Koren (Matt) Custer of Northbridge, Massachusetts and their son, Logan. Tom was preceded in death by a brother, George E. Woodward; sister, Jeanne (George) Davis; son-in-law, Stan Evans; and son-in-law, Bill Kelley. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff and members of Holzer Senior Care and Holzer Home Health for the wonderful care and assistance in Tom’s final days. The funeral service for Tom will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Willis Funeral Home. Friends may call prior to the service from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be a flag presentation by the Gallia County Funeral Detail at the private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holzer Hospice or your favorite charity. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.