Kenneth Owen Woods of Loogootee, IN died on May 27, 2025 at home. He was born on July 23, 1947 in Washington, IN to Claude Ellis and Thelma Maude Woods. Married his San Angelo bride of nearly 55 years, Elizabeth Jean Briggs, on October 24, 1970.
Kenny graduated from Loogootee High School in 1965. He then graduated college with his bachelor in Mathematics with a teaching certificate from Indiana State University in 1969. After College Graduation he went into the Air Force. He completed boot camp at Lackland AFB (San Antonio, TX) and was stationed at Goodfellow AFB (San Angelo, TX), Kadena AFB Okinawa, Japan, Hakata Air Station (Japan), and Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, OH). After completing his 4 years active duty he completed 2 years Active Reserves before he enlisted in the Air National Guard: Hulman (Terre Haute, IN) and Grissom (Kokomo, IN). He served in the reserves for 16 years. In his time with the Air Force he received awards; National Defense Medal Air & space outstanding unit award x2 Good conduct award National defense award Longevity award x3 Armed Forces award Air Reserve Forces Meritorious service x2 Air & space training ribbon Presidential citation the Campaign Medal (Good Conduct). He proudly served our country for a total of 26 years.
Kenny worked at Crane Naval Base (now NSA Crane) for 30+ years as Software Support, Systems Administrator, and finally as a Computer Specialist. Growing up he enjoyed working with his Dad, playing tennis, 4-H, and the Boy Scouts. He loved his dogs, hunting mushrooms, watching and listening to all types of different birds. Over the years Kenny enjoyed helping others above anything but also found much enjoyment in golfing, playing bridge, bird watching, singing, and playing the organ, especially pipe organs. He sang and played the organ for over 60 years–many of those at the Loogootee Methodist Church as well as at Shoals Methodist Church. He also participated in countless golfing events including weekly leagues, local tournaments, and charity outings.
His greatest contribution to society was doing for others. He lived with his generous heart on his sleeve helping countless numbers of people without attention or compensation. No one on earth really knows what all he did because he did it all without attention to the credit. He touched many hearts by doing these things making everyone feel loved and cared for more than he ever knew.
He volunteered in many organizations including 14 years at Henderson Settlement (Frakes, KY), Habitat for Humanity, many years as President for Goodwill Cemetery, 15+ years filing taxes for people at the Senior Center through Generations, years of singing at nursing homes, and a few years as treasurer of Martin County SOAR.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Jean Woods of Loogootee, IN, Sister, Shirley Tanksley of Franklin, IN, two Children; Keri McBride (Joseph) of Newburg, IN, Brian Woods (Ginger) of Indianapolis, IN, 7 grandchildren; Dakota, Erika, Breanna, Samuel, Trinity, Lizzy, and Bryson.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 2, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Loogootee Methodist Church with Pastor Greg Davis officiating. Burial and military rites to immediately follow at Goodwill Cemetery, Loogootee, Indiana.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 2:00 P.M until 4:00 P.M. at Blake Funeral Home, Loogootee, Indiana and again on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Loogootee Methodist Church from 10:00 A.M to time of service at 11:00 A.M.
Online condolences can be made at www.blakefuneralhomes.com
Blake Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Kenny Woods.
