The Reverend Dr. Harold Woodworth was born in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, on April 28th, 1933, one of two children of Harold and Nettie (Megow) Woodworth. His parents and younger brother, George Woodworth, preceded him in death.
Called to serve as a Christian minister, Harold attended Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Springfield. There he met nursing student Bernice Mae Livangood. The couple married on June 9, 1956.
He served his vicarage in Orlando, Florida. Harold was ordained into the Lutheran Ministry by the Reverend Edgar Homrighausen on August 3, 1958, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, New Orleans, LA.
Harold initially served as a congregation mission developer for the New Orleans, Louisiana District of the Missouri Synod. He then founded Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in New Orleans, serving there from 1958-63.
He was then called to pastor Concordia Lutheran Church, Birmingham, Alabama 1963-64. While there, Harold was actively engaged during the 1960s civil rights movement in Alabama.
That was followed by a call to serve Zion Lutheran Church, Colby Wisconsin from 1964-65.
In 1965, Harold volunteered for three years US Army active duty in the Vietnam War. He became airborne qualified, initially serving with the 101st Airborne Division, later serving with the 27th Engineer Battalion in Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star for service with the 27th Battalion. He was commissioned a Captain, and later received the Army Commendation Medal for his service as the Senior Staff Chaplain at US Army hospital in Ft. Campbell, KY.
Captain Woodworth returned to the civilian sector. He was called to serve as pastor at Salem Lutheran Church Jacksonville, IL, 1968-75. He attended Sangamon State now University of Illinois--Springfield earning five master’s degrees. A few years later, Pastor Woodworth graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque Iowa with a Doctor of Ministry. Harold also served the Synod as a Lutheran Hour radio speaker, board member Concordia Tract Mission, and circuit counselor.
In 1976, Harold responded to the Lord's call as founding pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, Illinois where he served as Senior Pastor (then Emeritus) through 1997.
After 'retirement' he returned to active ministry as pastor in various Mississippi and central Illinois Lutheran congregations.
Harold served as both president of the Kiwanis Club Jacksonville, Illinois and as state Kiwanis Lt. Governor. He was active in founding and serving with a number of other community service organizations: Boy Scouts of America, Mayflower Society, Sons of the American Revolution, American Red Cross, and the 27th Engineers Battalion reunions.
Pastor Woodworth is survived, by his wife Bea, and four children; Mark Woodworth (Teresa) of Canton, Missouri; David Woodworth; Karen Reid (Bill); and Kathryn Edley (Bill) of Springfield, Illinois. He is the grandfather of thirteen and 2nd & 3rd great-grandfather to several cherished children.
Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, west-side Springfield. Visitation is Monday, April 19th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a brief service officiated by Pastor Richard Harre following at 6 p.m. A private burial service will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
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