Edwin J. Woodrich

Nov. 30, 1931 - Aug. 7, 2013 Edwin Julius Woodrich departed this life August 7, 2013, at the age of 81. Born Nov. 30, 1931, near Levasy, Mo., Edwin was the fourth child of Edward Arthur and Heneritta Charolette (Borgman) Woodrich. He became a child of God through Holy Baptism on Dec. 26, 1931, at Ebenezer Evangelical and Reformed Church, Levasy, and was confirmed April 14, 1946, at St. Luke's Evangelical and Reformed Church, Independence, Mo. Edwin attended Bone Hill Grade School near Levasy and graduated from William Chrisman High School, Independence, in 1949. He subsequently attended Central Missouri State College. He completed a certified course of study at Central Technical Institute in Kansas City, Mo., and later earned an associate degree from Kansas City Metropolitan Community College. Edwin entered the United States Army in February 1952 and served with the 1st Field Artillery Observation Battalion APO 358 Unit 1 in Korea during the Korean War. He was awarded Two Bronze Star Korean Service Medals, United Nations and National Defense Service Medals and a Good Conduct Medal. Edwin was currently a member of Hickman Mills Memorial Post #598 of the American Legion. Edwin was employed with Grant Battery Company, Wilcox Electric Company, and in 1956 began his technical career of 32 years with AT&T (Long Lines). Early in his tenure with AT&T, Ed worked in Alaska installing a radio communications system from Colorado Springs, Colo., to Fairbanks, Alaska, for the United States Government's Defense Projects. In his retirement, he worked 14 years creating and repairing lamps for Dave Smith The Lamp Maker and retired a second time in 2004. Edwin was an active square dancer in the 1960s and 1970s. He served as president of the Plaza Singles Square Dance Club. From this eara in his life, the "bolo" string tie became his trademark. Edwin was also active with the Boy Scouts of America. On May 15, 1977, Edwin married Joan Noble in Kansas City. Edwin lived in Independence and Kansas City most of his life and in 2004 moved to John Knox Village Retirement Community in Lee's Summit, Mo. A diligent Bible student, Ed faithfully attended Bible study groups and church services and was involved in various church activities throughout his life. In addition to his membership in Evangelical and reformed (United Church of Christ) churches, through the years he attended Unity Village and Keystone (Broadway) United Methodist Church where he was currently a member. Edwin is preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Evelyn Kennedy and Margaret Fischer. He is survived by his sister, Louise Stuessi of Ft. Collins, Colo.; four nieces; five nephews; and his cousin and caregiver, Mrs. Jennifer Knight of Raymore, Mo. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, at Keystone United Methodist Church, 74th St. and Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64114. The Rev. Hubert Neth will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will be in the Ebenezer United Church of Christ Cemetery near Levasy. Contributions in Ed's memory may be directed to "One Good Meal" of Lee's Summit, or "Village House" in care of The John Knox Village Foundation. One Good Meal, PO Box 2222, Lee's Summit, MO 64063, supplied Ed's noon meal five days per week for eight years. One Good Meal operates solely from contributions and the nominal fee charged for meals. For more information, see onegoodmeal.org. Village House is the John Knox Village Care Center's Hospice Unit/Team who provided excellent specialized Hospice care to Ed during his final months. Village House c/o John Knox Village Foundation's address is 400 NW Murray Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64081. Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com. Arr.: McGilley and George Funeral Home, 12913 Grandview Rd. Grandview, MO 64030. 816-966-0250