C.E. "Bud" Woodard

Mr. Woodard was born August 6, 1918 in Kadoka, South Dakota, the son of Hiram J. and Iona (Kelling) Woodard. He attended school in Long Valley and Wanblee. He later attended Seattle University and Anchorage Community College.

On April 22, 1940, he married Catherine V. Arnold in North Bend, Oregon. Prior to automation, he was a lighthouse keeper at Umpqua Oregon River Light House with the U.S. Coast Guard. During World War II, he continued with the Coast Guard in the Seattle area as a warrant officer in charge of field construction for the 13th Naval District.

He resigned from the Coast Guard in 1946 and was a general contractor in Seattle and in Alaska where the Woodards moved in 1968. He completed a number of construction projects of military installations, post offices, schools, churches, commercial buildings, office complexes, banks and warehouses.

The Woodards moved to Scottsburg, Oregon in 1995 and to Walla Walla in 2002.

Bud was a member of St. Benedict Church, Seattle Associated General Contractors of America, American Arbitration Association, Wallingford Boys Club Board, Seattle VFW #240, National Rifle Association, Ballard Elks Club #827, the American Legion, and Owners and Pilots Association of Alaska.

Bud, as most people knew him, was an avid hunter and fisherman. A private pilot who enjoyed flying his friends sight seeing on his special tour. He was proud of his yard on the banks of the Umpqua River, and was always ready to help those in need. He was an excellent cook, his cinnamon rolls were a delicious treat. He was an avid correspondent, very good at writing and keeping in touch, and looked forward to entertaining and visiting with family and friends. Bud was very proud of his home state and never failed to tell people that he was from South Dakota.

Survivors include his wife Catherine V. "Kay" Woodard of Walla Walla, a daughter Catherine Escobar and her husband Clifford of Salinas, California; two sons Arnold J. Woodard and his wife Kayla of Anchorage, and Frederick H. "Rick" Woodard and his wife Saryn of Walla Walla; a sister Janice Woodard Ruyle of Montrose, Colorado; a brother Stanley D. Barber and his wife Helen of Rapid City; a sister in-law Gertrude Woodard of Kadoka; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; many loved nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father Stanley D. Barber, Sr.; and a brother Hiram J. Woodard.

A memorial mass was held April 16, 2003 at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Walla Walla, with Father Patrick Kerst officiating.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2005 at the Kadoka Cemetery, with Father Brian Sorenson officiating.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Service Details

Memorial Mass
April 16, 2003
St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Walla Walla

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