Bobby Woodard

Bobby Woodard was born February 11, 1930, in Anson, Jones County, Texas, to James Franklin and Era Spencer Woodard. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Frank; his sister, Jeanette; and his first wife, Martha Castleberry.

Bobby graduated from Anson High School in 1947 and began his career with the Texas Highway Department. In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he completed aircraft mechanic and jet engine training. He served as a Jet Engine Crew Chief with the 436th Bomb Squadron at Carswell Air Force Base, working on B-36 bombers and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. His service took him to Florida, Labrador, England, and Hawaii.

After leaving the Air Force in 1954, Bobby and Martha moved to Lubbock, where he attended Texas Tech University. He graduated in 1958 with a degree in engineering and began his career as an engineer with the Texas Highway Department.

Over the course of his career, Bobby served in Hillsboro, Temple, Belton, and Waco. In Temple, he served as Resident Engineer and helped design and supervise construction of Interstate 35 through Bell County. He later served as Area Engineer in Belton and District Design Engineer for the Waco District. He retired in 1992 but continued working as a design engineer in the Belton office for several years.

Bobby and Martha were longtime members of Grace Presbyterian Church in Temple, where Bobby served as an elder for six years and participated on several committees.

Bobby and Martha maintained lifelong friendships with fellow Air Force families, gathering every other year for trips and visits across the country. They also enjoyed traveling together and visiting national parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Big Bend, and Mount Rushmore.

Bobby met Bonnie Otte through Grace Presbyterian Church, where they shared many activities and interests. They married in 2010 and enjoyed traveling, gardening, church activities, and time with family.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Bonnie; nieces Linda Merriman and her husband, Carlton, and Leigh Ann Cloutier.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2401 S 57th St, Temple, TX 76504, on August 15, 2026, at 1:00 pm.