Ernest L. Woody

ERNEST LOWELL WOODY, born on the 17th of May 1926, entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, the 22nd of April 2010. An honorable veteran of the United States Navy, a husband, father, grandfather and uncle, Mr. Woody leaves behind many family and friends who loved him so dearly.

Ernest was born to Albert and Grace Woody, in Douglas County, Iowa, where he spent his early childhood learning the trades and practices of life on a farm. He and his five older siblings learned how to use the land for sustenance. Through daily toils and the resulting fruitions, he began to develop a deep appreciation for nature and for the land of his country. At the age of 18, during WWII, he enlisted into the service and became stationed aboard the escort carrier of the USS Commencement Bay vessel. Some of the friends and experiences that were made at sea became lifelong treasures that were always near to his heart.

When he returned from duty, Ernest attended East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce and earned a Bachelor of Science. He began work as a teacher spending time in Nevada, Alaska, and South Texas, teaching for a total of seven years. Ernest always cherished his memories of teaching, especially his time in Alaska.

His move to Texas would bring him to meet Catherine Hanania, who would become his lifelong partner. They met through her sister, Elaine Hale, and soon fell in love and were married. At this time, Ernest would begin a dedicated 31year career at Shell Oil Company in Houston where he served as a chemist. During his years of service at Shell, he earned the Shell Quality Award for his role in the quality improvement process. He was well liked and deeply respected upon retiring.

The strong values, which Ernest learned in his youth, became his internal strength and support throughout his life. Ernest was a devoted parishioner at Ascension Episcopal Church in Houston where he served as usher, and dedicated many hours in the service of his community. Unselfishness, integrity, humility, and dedication were strong values Ernest lived by. These qualities were admired and loved by his family and grandchildren. His quick sense of humor, kindness, and great ability to tell stories about his experiences were loved and appreciated by his family.

Mr. Woody shared his love of nature with Catherine. Together they nurtured vegetables, nuts, and fruit in their garden each season. They would always share their abundance with the family, which became something to look forward to enjoying each season. Together they also loved to do puzzles. They once completed an eight thousand piece picture puzzle of the Sistine Chapel with which they were very proud.

Ernest's adventures through life very much cultivated a deep sense of history and geography that stayed with him always. Being an avid reader also enriched his life experience and provided background to the rich stories that his grandchildren enjoyed so much. Ernest's appreciation for all things in which God created would remain deep in his heart.His family will dearly miss his gentleness and strong love for all things good.

Predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Catherine Hannania Woody, who passed away earlier this year, he is survived by his stepson, Frank G. Koska, Jr. and his wife Joyce; grandchildren, Lori McClelland and her husband Trey, Andrew Koska, and Matthew Koska; as well as his wife's sisters, Bea Arwady, Elaine Hale, Rose Lucksinger and her husband Art, Shirley Swearer and her husband Ed, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with family from four o'clock in the afternoon until six o'clock in the evening on Sunday, the 25th of April, in the Drawing Room of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The funeral service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 26th of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

The graveside service and interment is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

With respect to the reception, kindly note the change in venue in contrast to Friday's edition. Immediately following the interment, all are invited to join the family for a reception to be held in the Sage Ballroom of the Hilton Garden Inn, Houston Galleria, 3201 Sage Road in Houston. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Woody's name be directed to The American Heart Association, 10060 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX, 77054, or the charity of one's choice.