Franklin D. Woods

Franklin was born December 28, 1932, in Turrell, AR to Richard B. and Flora G. Woods. As a child, Franklin resided with his family in St. Louis, MO, with the exception of a five-year period in Marin County, CA during WWII. Franklin graduated from Vashon High School in St. Louis. He began his college education at Stowe Teachers College, where he met and subsequently married his wife of 69 years, H. Beatrice (Harris) Woods. He also became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Franklin worked for the U.S. Postal Service and the Oliver Corporation in Battle Creek, MI prior to joining the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He ended his military career as a Staff Sergeant and used his skills to work as a plane inspector for McDonnell Douglas. Franklin later received his bachelor’s degree in Meteorology from Saint Louis University Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology.

Franklin began a long career with the National Weather Service in 1960 when he and his young family moved to Wichita, KS and finally to Kansas City, MO. During his career with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Franklin broadcasted radio weather news in St. Louis, participated in storm chaser teams in the Southwest, forecasted severe storms and hurricanes, and briefly managed a new weather service office in Ann Arbor, MI.

At the time of his retirement in 1993, Franklin was recognized for 42 years of civil service. Additionally, while in Kansas City, he served on the Blue Hills Neighborhood Association that worked with the city on the Highway 71 northward expansion and revitalization.

When Franklin was not working, he was passionate about jazz music; coin, stamp, and book collecting; gardening, photography, jelly making; and studying African American history. A gregarious person, he maintained positive relationships with neighbors, co-workers, extended family and lifelong friends. Franklin was an active parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church where he served as an usher and member of the vocations committee. He often shared his special jellies with fellow parishioners, neighbors, and friends.

Franklin was a beloved son, husband, uncle, and father. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Flora; sister, Elizabeth; brother, Dallas; sons, Roderick and Wayne; and son-in-law, Douglas. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice; his daughters, Tracey Woods, Cynthia Stewart, Gail Waller (Aaron), Peggy Clark (Lawrence), Kimberly Hopwood (Junior); three granddaughters (Madison, Samantha and Kiara) and one grandson (Quinn); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Rosary (10 a.m.), visitation (10:15 a.m.) and funeral Mass (11:30 a.m.) will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 4101 E. 105th Street, Kansas City, MO, 64137 on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to VITAS Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Catherine of Sienna Church. The family extends their deep appreciation to the staff at Sunrise Senior Living Leawood for their care and attention and especially to Ms. Angela Rushing for being his friend and companion during his last years.