Richard M. Woodson
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Memorial services for Richard M. Woodson, 87, Lawrence, will be held at 2:00 PM. Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. Richard passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Bridge Haven in Lawrence.
Richard was born on June 2, 1935, in Hutchinson, KS, the son of Wesley Edward and Sara Lois (Price) Woodson.
He married Carlee Penner on June 27, 1958, in Hutchinson, KS. She survives at the home.
Other survivors include his children, Debra Lynn (David) Luman, Craig Scott (Wendee) Woodson, eight grandchildren, Lindsey Shepley, Chris Luman, Jessica Rausch, Katie Berry, Parker Woodson, Ryan Woodson, Bayley Woodson, Chelsee Holden, and nine great-grandchildren.
Richard proudly served in the Armed Forces as an Army Medic and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Fort Sam Houston, TX and Fort Carson in CO. After his discharge, he followed his lifelong passion of being a teacher and a Coach. After a few stops, he found his true calling at Hutchison High School, where he coached both Basketball and Tennis among many things. He was also tasked with starting the first ever Women’s Basketball team, which he proudly accepted and then took them to a Championship level. While at Hutch, he won two state Championships, numerous top ten finishes, produced one All American, was both the State Coach of the year multiple times and the Kellogg’s National coach of the year. Richard was also voted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
After his coaching career, Woody, as his friends fondly called him, went on to be a tireless volunteer with the Lions Club of America, University of Kansas Relays and his Church among many other things that were important to him. Most of all Woody was a wonderful Grandfather and Great Grandfather to his family and left many lifelong lessons and memories for us all.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Robert Eugene Woodson, and Wesley E. Woodson.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the First United Methodist Church or the Lions Club of America and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
My sympathy for you Carlee, Debbie & Craig, and your families. Dick was a special guy and was loved by a lot of people. He will be remembered and missed by all. My prayers go out for you at this time of sadness.🙏🏻
Coach Woodson was my Sophomore Boys Basketball coach and Hutchinson and I have many fond memories of him. He was a good man! Prayers for the Woodson family during this difficult time.
To Carlee and your family, I am very sorry for your loss. I know Dick will be missed by many. May God hold you close in this time of grieving and need.
The Jeffrey Allan Roberts family members send their condolences to the Woodson family of coach Richard Woodson. Coach Woodson was a very special individual who inspired many of his players to be the best they could be. He was always encouraging and passionate about the way he played the game. I appreciated that he was part of my life’s journey of experiences. He was the first to acknowledge my desire to be a City council member and elected mayor of Hutchinson. I will always be grateful for his support. May the lord almighty the creator of the heavens and the earth and all living things and the father of Jesus Christ our holy savior born to the Virgin Mary comfort his family members in this time of sorrow. Keep your faith and trust in the spirit of kindness and love for others who may need comforting words of encouragement for their journey of life adventures. Take care of each other and share the joy of peace.
My first encounter with Coach Woodson was in gym class and when he was sophomore boys basketball coach at hhs in the fall of 1971. I was on the sophomore team at the start of practice that year before shortly moving to the junior varsity and then varsity. I remember that he often portrayed a no nonsense manner but in truth it belied a heart of gold that cared deeply for his players and I always saw past the gruff exterior and quickly understood that he was really a big softy. He was also a fine coach and I very much enjoyed being around him during my high school years…..in practice, at the gym during pe class and watching his interaction with Whitey Alpers and the other coaches. Cherished memories, RIP and condolences to the family.
My heart goes out to The Woodson family and your loss. Coach was the first to give me a shot in my basketball career. He saw something in me I didn’t even see. It was the beginning of a sweet relationship. After my HS and college playing days were over, my wife and I moved to Lawrence and several years later, I ran into Coach. That same smile and warm demeanor greeted me and my wife like nothing had changed. Over the years, we would run into each other and later our kids were in school with his older grandkids. His warmth and sweet spirit was inviting and everyone knew his kindness. We will be praying for your family as you grieve the passing of this wonderful husband, father and grandfather. May you lean into Jesus and allow His Spirit comfort you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
We leave our condolences to the family of Richard Woodson that we knew very well years ago in Hutchinson in our church and though Hutchinson High School activities. To Carlee, Craig and Debra we are thinking of you and sorry for your loss.
I had the pleasure being coached by Mr. Woodson my sophomore year and spent a lot of time in the Mr. Alpers office as I was the go get coffee guy! I received the title from Woody Kramer as I went every morning to the 17th Kwik shop for Woody. I got an a in Biology and don’t have a clue how that happened! Could have it been the coffee and occasional donut?