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Thomas M. Woods, 78, died Saturday, February 6th. Tom amazed all who knew him as he battled through deteriorating health and only succumbed after a long illness.
He leaves behind his daughter Julie Chelius of Phoenix, her husband Mark, grandchildren Ryan, Megan, Zachary; son Terry Woods of Reno, NV; and significant other, Phyllis Bartell. He was preceeded in death by his wife of 26 years, Sally Woods who was survived by son Bart Hahlweg, wife Lorrie and grandchildren Bryce and Avery.
Born and raised in Pierre, South Dakota, son of John and Anne Woods. Tom has four close knit siblings; his sisters Connie Woods of Peoria, AZ; Mary Greenfield and Patti Roger of Pierre and his brother Chuck Woods of Roseville, MN.
After graduating from Riggs High School, Class of 1960, he accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Acedemy in Annapolis. He married Ruth Neyhart and lived in Brookings while earning a degree in mathmatics from South Dakota State University in 1965.
In 1969 with his young family, Tom relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and began his civil service career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a Program Analyst. He received Superior Commendations for his task work that lead to many trips to Washington, D.C. Upon retirement, he worked in the private sector as a math substitute teacher.
Tom had a great passion for community service throughout his life. He served over twenty years with the Sun City Elks Lodge #2559, serving in many capacities including succeeding his late wife Sally's term as Exalted Ruler. He received several recognitions for his excellent work with the youth activity programs.
Some of Tom's favorites were being with Phyllis and her family at Lake Morman, playing cards, dancing, target shooting, going for motorcycle rides, cheering grandchildren and local sports teams, visiting with friends, live performances, history, traveling and technology gadgets.
The Glendale Star; Peoria Times
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Harley Middleton
I just checked our class website and was shocked to see Tom's death. He was very smart, extremely capable and an all around good person. Tom, like so many of us, grew up in a close knit family which did not have a lot of money, but they had a lot of love. Tom was the one person I trusted and went to when having problems with math. He always took the time to help me. I really wanted to see him one more time. I already miss him. He was a wonderful, humble human being, one that we should all be greatful to have known.
Dorothy M. Huckfeldt (Neddermeyer)
Tom: I wasn't in your circle of friends. In the few interactions I had with you, you seemed to be a gentle giant, someone who cared and took time for those who you cared about. You will be missed by many. May you have an easy and swift journey home. My sincere empathy for your family and friends for their loss. You will all be reunited as friends and family always are. Many blessings, Dorothy