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ROCKVILLE- Lawrence J. "Larry" Woodard, 68, of Rockville, Indiana died peacefully at 5:00 pm Monday December 8, 2014 in his residence. He was a farmer.
He was born April 6, 1946 in Clinton, Indiana to the late Carl E. Woodard and Grace Snodgrass Woodard. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Gail Allison Woodard whom he married May 1, 1971 in Rockville; also surviving, three sons, Scott Lucas of Greencastle, Indiana, Sean Lucas of Rockville and Nathan (Samantha) Woodard of Russellville, Indiana; one brother, Charles Woodard of Rockville; one sister, Martha Jean Alexander of Brazil, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Raymond, Randy, Gina, Nick (Ashley), Brendon, Nate and Amelia; two great-grandchildren, Bryson and his brother Brayden expected in February 2015; several nieces and nephews; He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kathleen Grace Woodard on May 4, 2007 and a sister, Mary Lou Thomas on June 9, 2013.
He was a 1964 graduate of Rockville High School. He served with the Indiana National Guard. He served as a Lay speaker and a 4-H leader/counselor. He was a former member of the Bellmore (J.U.G.A) volunteer Fire Department. He made several detailed miniature covered bridges as a hobby. He had a great sense of humor. He loved to laugh and make people laugh.
Services will be 11:00 am Saturday, December 13, at Gooch Funeral Home, 112 W. Howard Street, Rockville, with the Rev. Don Hatfield officiating. Burial with military graveside honors by Parke County veterans will follow in Memory Garden Cemetery, Rockville. Visitation is 4-8 pm Friday at Gooch Funeral Home.
Memorials should friends so desire, may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 9100 Purdue Road, Suite 203, Indianapolis, IN 46268 in his memory.
Friends may sign on online guest register at www.goochfuneralhome.com.
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Jeanne Chezem (McCall) (1968)
This is the eulogy given by Nathan Woodard for his father.
Dad
I want to thank you all for coming to pay tribute to my father. My family and I greatly appreciate it. When my dad passed away and I began to reflect on his life I questioned myself what does it mean to be a dad? To some people it is a character in a tv or a movie. To some it is a man that was there only long enough to create them. To others it may just be the man that works and pays the bills and sometimes talks to them. To me it was a man that would do without so he could provide for his family. I consider myself lucky to have had Larry as my dad. He taught me how to tell a joke, drive a tractor and the importance of a good John Wayne Western. He was there when I would get in trouble, sat on the bench and didn't get in and for about everything else in my life. He imparted to me his passion for God country and family. He never took himself too seriously. He loved to give gag gifts and tell funny stories. He was hard headed enough to fight through the pain associated with muscular dystrophy so he could be there for us. He always loved family reunions and holiday gatherings. He told my wife on Thanksgiving that he loved the holiday because it was centered around spending time with family with no grand expectations. My Dad has left this earth and we will greatly miss him but let me assure you he is with his departed family in Heaven. He often told me he wished he could just be healthy and work again. Finally his request has been granted. He is stong and healthy once more. He has alreay hitched his disc up to the tractor and is working the glorius fields of Heaven. He is preparing a place for us and is waiting for the time when the whole family will be reunited. I am thankful I was able to know and learn from the man I call Dad and look forward to seeing him again. I hope that I can be half as good of a father to my children as he was to me.