Rev. John D. Woodard

John D. Woodard, 69, was born in Canton, MS on September 26, 1946 to the late Percy James and Apprilla Pace Woodard. He grew up in East Chicago, IN. John D. accepted Christ on July 25, 1956 and was baptized at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. P.K. Kelly. He graduated from the former East Chicago Washington High School, class of 1965.

A Vietnam Veteran, he served in and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army from May 1966-May 1968. Although he worked in Michigan, Illinois, and all over Indiana, the bulk of his work life was spent as a computer field service engineer in Indiana, employed by Gerber Garment Technology of Connecticut.

He and Debra Craig are the parents of son Damon James Woodard (Ypsilanti, MI). He was married in East Chicago, IN to Marcia Smith from September 28, 1985-November 1, 2002. They are the parents of Timothy Leon Woodard (Indianapolis, IN) and Jonathan Smith Woodard (Monroe, NC).

John lived in Indianapolis, IN from 1984 until his passing. For many years, he was a member of the former Cathedral of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, and accepted his calling to the Ministry. There he preached his first sermon on March 3, 1991 and later served as Associate Pastor to Rev. Charles E. Bostic. During his time in the ministry John baptized all three of his sons at Cathedral.

Although he didn’t care much about sports, John enjoyed playing video games with his sons. He constantly worked on his computer, many business ventures, and building his big red truck.

Over the years, John experienced many events that shaped who he was. He entered the Vietnam War at 19. His two older brother's lives were taken when they were young, and he survived numerous dangerous altercations growing up in Northwest Indiana. All of these experiences changed him, some for the better and some for worse. This led to some of his relationships becoming strained among friends and family alike. Fortunately, towards the end of his life, he was able to come to terms with his mistakes and reconcile with many of those he'd fallen out with and even make new friends.

On Monday, September 5, 2016 John passed away at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lillie Bridgeman Thompson, and brothers Tim and Leon Woodard. He is survived by sons Damon, Timothy, and Jonathan (Brittany Ross-Long) Woodard; sisters Fannie Harris (Canton, MS), and Yvonne W. (David) Rhodes (East Chicago, IN); grandchildren Isabella and Max Woodard (Monroe, NC); a special cousin, Linda Buggs Williams (Decatur, GA); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and others he met on his journey. In his last months of life, the song that meant the most to him was “His Eye Is On the Sparrow”.The Memorial Service will take place on Friday, September 16, 2016, 6pm - 8pm at Salt of the Earth Baptist Church, 4925 W. 36th Street, Indianapolis.