Don O'Neil Woodward

Don Woodward passed away at his home with his family at his side on June 10, 2013 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Don was born and raised in Bogalusa, Louisiana. He married his high school sweetheart, Faye Matlock, in 1953. They moved to Freeport in 1955 when he went to work at Dow Chemical. During his 28 year tenure, Don was instrumental in the development of the Dow Electrical Shop. He served as the Union Steward for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Don retired early from Dow to begin other business ventures. He was involved in many community projects and activities. He taught electrical vocational classes at Brazosport High School and Brazosport College. He served as the President of Freeport’s Teenage Baseball League where he enjoyed working with and influencing young men, many of which maintained friendships with him throughout his life. One of the projects Don greatly enjoyed was building a replica of the Historical Fort of Velasco that was displayed in numerous community events. Don was a “book of knowledge”, helping many people throughout his life. Don had a heart of gold. He was a very kind man that loved a good joke. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all that were blessed to know him. The family would like to express their gratitude to Abigail Ramirez for being such a caring and loving caretaker and friend to Don for the past two years. Don is preceded in death by his son, Darryl Woodward; his parents, George and Minnie Woodward; brothers, George, Albert, Jimmy and Everett Woodward; sisters, Nell Traylor and Pam Augustine. He is survived by his wife of 59 ½ years, Faye Woodward; son, Don O’Neil Woodward, Jr.; daughters, Lisa Woodward, Linda Smircic and her husband Emil; grandchildren, Ross Holik and his wife Jessica, Ryan Holik and his wife Ashley, Emileigh, Lanie and Madelyn Smircic, McCall Woodward, Kelsey Woodward; great grandchildren, Jaxson Holik and Mazzy Holik; brother, William Woodward and mother-in-law, Margarite Verrett.