Gordon L. Woodworth, age 92, crossed over to begin his heavenly journey on April 9, 2026, after a short illness at Miami Valley North. He was born on April 7, 1934, in Toledo, Ohio to Ralph L. and Evangeline (Murphy) Woodworth.

Gordon, or Woody as most of his friends & relatives called him, was a Class of ’52 graduate from Kiser High School in Dayton, Ohio. He served as a member of the Ohio National Guard in the Military Police unit during the 1950s. Woody worked at several jobs - including managing an office for Liberty Loan - prior to his final 35-year career at Duriron (Flowserve) in Dayton, where he served as the Foundry & Pump Division Paymaster. He was extremely proud of the fact that, “I never missed a day of work.” This work ethic was a treasured trait passed onto his prodigy.

Woody married the love of his life, Janet (Hill) Woodworth on September 26, 1953 – about a year after meeting her through mutual friends at Island Park. They spent over 73 years together cherishing their love and life that they shared with their children, extended families, and friends.

Woody was a family man. He supported his eldest, Lynn, in her literary, theatrical & musical endeavors; volunteered with Gary’s Cub Scout den & various team sports; and cheered on his youngest, Teresa, in her cheerleading and flag corps competitions.

Woody loved dogs and from the age of 10, he was rarely without a canine companion. He was also a wordsmith and the author of the book – Grandpa’s Dog Tails Tales. Published in 2024, it tells of his adventures with a menagerie of dogs whose paths crossed his.

Woody was also the proud owner of a 1951 olive green Mercury - dubbed by his children as “the Green Bean”. Together he and his family enjoyed many summer vacations throughout the USA with the Green Bean towing the family’s popup camper. After years of camping life, the family began vacationing at Clear Lake in Michigan. Woody would lead his pack on marches around the lake insisting that if they didn’t keep his pace, they wouldn’t make his 40-minute time limit. His penchant for humor was obvious as he read the Sunday comics in funny voices, told his favorite jokes (the wide-mouth frog was always a hit), or used his dinner napkin to act out the roles of the damsel in distress, the villain, and the hero.

Gordon was predeceased by his beloved parents and sisters, Gwendolyn Hausman & Patricia Miller and sister-in-law Ruth Bitzer. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet; his children: daughter, Lynnette (Michael) Terrell; son, Gary (Laureen) Woodworth; daughter, Teresa Root; and son-in-law, Randy (Patty) Shirk; grandchildren: Joshua (Krystal) Shirk, Amanda Woodworth, Krista (Christopher) Weiss, Madison Root, and Sarah Root; great-granddaughters: Jaqueline Shirk and Scarlett, Maryjane, & Annabelle Weiss. Also surviving are brothers Terry (Barbara) Woodworth & Glenn (Sandra) Woodworth and his siblings by marriage: Hazel Atkinson, Donna Fruhwirth, Patricia Howson, David (Linda) Hill, and Virgil Hill along with dozens of nephews and nieces.

Whether you knew him as Gordon, Woody, Dad, G-Pa, or another name, he was a man of great honor, unfailing love, and a strong commitment to all who knew and loved him. As the patriarch of the family, he will be sorely missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be held at Charis Church on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM with services at 12:30 PM followed by burial immediately after in Maple Hill Cemetery in Tipp City. Pastor Linda Ares will be officiating. To honor Woody’s life, the family suggests gifts to his memory be made to Community Minded Women (PO Box 414, Tipp City, OH 45371), Miami County Animal Shelter (1110 N. County Road 25A, Troy, OH 45373), or Charis Church (18 E. Broadway Ave., Tipp City, Ohio 43571).

Arrangements by Frings & Bayliff Funeral Home.