Jon M. Woodward
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Jon Melvin Woodward, 75, passed to the Grand Lodge Above on Monday, November 15th from complications of heart and kidney disease.
Jon was born October 29, 1946, in Dodge City, Kansas and raised in Salina, Kansas. He graduated from Salina High School in 1964. Jon obtained a Bachelor degree in geography and international relations in 1968, followed by a Master of Arts in geography in 1970. After teaching for a year at Indiana State University, he returned to Kansas where he became a senior planner with the Topeka Shawnee County Metropolitan Planning Commission and the initial Director of Planning and Development at the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, helping to oversee the transfer of Forbes Air Force Base to local control.
In 1980, he joined Coffman Associates of Kansas City where he managed airport planning projects at more than 100 local airports throughout the United States. In 1988 he moved on to Landrum & Brown of Cincinnati where he eventually rose to become Executive Vice President of Environmental Planning and managed planning efforts at some of the largest airports in the world, specializing in the development of solutions to improve the aircraft noise environment over millions of residents near major metropolitan airports. Late in his career he worked on international airport development and environmental projects in Europe, China, and the Middle East. As one of the leaders in his field, he wrote a guide for the National Science Foundation detailing public involvement techniques useful in environmental projects.
Jon was a long-time Freemason in the Lawrence area, having served as Worshipful Master of Lawrence Lodge #6 and Mount Zion Lodge #266 multiple times. He also served as the senior leader of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Lawrence for ten years, overseeing the construction of the Lawrence Masonic Center, as Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees Chapter in Topeka, and as Chairman of the Advisory Committees of Lawrence chapters of the Order of DeMolay for Boys and Rainbow for Girls.
Jon was preceded in death by parents, Melvin Earl and Violet Jean (Finlay) Woodward, and his in-laws Robert and Mary (Hankey) Orson.
Jon is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vickie Sue Orson Woodward, three daughters, Kimberly Turner (Jeremy) of Baldwin City, Amanda Davis (Josh) and Ashley Woodward of Lawrence and grandchildren Heath Turner, Demari Daniels and Ariella Daniels, sister, Judy McNish (Ron), niece, Sarah Melius (Grady), great-niece, Avery Melius, as well as many cousins scattered across the country.
A visitation will be held Saturday, November 20th, 2-4pm at Warren McElwain Mortuary (120 W 13th Street), Lawrence.
A celebration of life will be held at the Lawrence Masonic Center (1301 E 25th Street) on Sunday, November 21st at 2pm.
His family requires, for the safety of his wife, Vickie, who is immunocompromised after a liver transplant, that only individuals who are FULLY vaccinated against COVID-19 plan to attend. If you are feeling ill, please stay home. A live-stream or video of the service will be available for those who are not vaccinated, or who are not able to attend. Masks (worn properly) will also be required to attend.
Memorial contributions can be made to Mount Zion Lodge #266 (sent in care of Warren McElwain, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044), to benefit a newly established Jon M. Woodward Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The funeral service will be available at https://bit.ly/JonWoodwardFuneral
Our family will miss Jon so much!!! We played his online castle game with him for 9 years and he was always so much fun and competitive. He always had the funniest, most sarcastic sense of humor, that would leave us all laughing so hard 🙂 Our son was only 15 years old when we first started playing and he is now a 6th year college student. We were so fortunate to have been able to meet Jon in person a few years ago during a visit to Wichita. He talked often about his family and was very proud of every one of his kids and his grandkids. We all knew how much his wife meant to him. He will be missed so much!!! Keeping your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
Vicki and family I send my hugs to you and wish you peace and comfort.
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Vickie and the Woodward family. I was glad to know Jon.
Amanda and family, I just read this beautiful obituary and am so impressed with the amazing life your father led. I liked him immediately when I met him and I enjoyed having him as a guest on Timeline Radio. You and your family members have much to be proud of for the many accomplishments of Jon Woodward. As you say goodbye, I will be thinking of you and wishing you comfort and peace.
Amanda and family, heartfelt condolences are coming your way, along with many prayers and hugs. Your Dad sounds like such a wonderful man. No wonder you and your sisters are such incredible people!
Vicki and Family, please accept my condolences. Jon was a friend and a Brother Mason. He remains a light in my life. I pray for your comfort and health, in the days and years ahead. Peace be with you.
Thinking of you all that this time. I have been Jon and Vicki’s Barber/Stylist, and was Vi’s Hair Stylist for many years, and always looked forward to seeing them all. Remembering many fun visits and reminiscing about Topeka days. And of course we knew some of the same people from Topeka. Vi once visited my home town in MN and we always had fun reminiscing too. So many good times with good people. Jon will be greatly missed by so many. Take Care, and all the best to you. Brian Winslow
Jon touched countless lives and will be missed. He was a friend and Brother to me for over 25 years. My thoughts are with Vicki and their girls. I was blessed to have known such a man.