Keith Woodward

KEITH WAYNE WOODWARD

Keith Wayne Woodward, 81, passed peacefully into the arms of His Savior, Jesus Christ on March 22, 2014 at Gulf Care Center in Texas City. Keith suffered a stroke in June of 2013 and fought bravely to recover over the last nine months. Sadly additional stokes continued to cause erode his health. Keith was a faithful man of God, devoted to his family and a humble servant to his community. He was born on September 3, 1932 in San Louis Obispo CA to John and Trudie Woodward

Keith grew up in San Louis Obispo, CA. He graduated from San Louis Obispo High School in
1950. After high school Keith worked with the California State Forestry Service as a forest firefighter following in his family heritage of firefighting. In 1951 he joined the US Air Force and served 4 years at the Bossier Base in Bossier, LA. After the Air Force, Keith joined Texas City Refining Inc. in 1956 where he worked for the next 44 years. Keith began his career in operations, was promoted to Environmental Supervisor in 1975, and in 1980 became the Director of Fire ProtectionFire Chief where he served until his retirement in 2000. Even after retirement Keith continued to work shutdowns annually for Valero until last year, only two months before his stroke.

Keith married Wanda in 1952 in Texas City. They were happily married for 61 years. Together they served the Lord, raised their two children Woody and Linda and their granddaughter Sara. He loved to travel and toured the west with Wanda in their motorhome. Keith was a member of First Baptist Church in Texas City since 1952 where he served as a deacon, went on numerous short term mission trips to Mexico and was active in visitation and prayer. Keith was also a member of various fire and safety organizations and taught firefighting at Texas AM Fire
Safety School. He enjoyed fishing, dancing, hunting, photography, archery, woodworking, and was a rockhound. In his retirement Keith spent many enjoyable hours working with his son Woody in his business Snapper Slapper Lures, doing boat shows and at the storefront.

Keith is survived by his spouse Wanda of Texas City, his son Keith Woodward Jr. Woody of Texas City, TX wife Melissa, daughter Linda Mazza of Lodi, CA husband Steve his brotherinlaw Jack Gabriel of Grover Beach, CA, and sisterinlaw Alice Woodward of San Louis Obispo, CA grandchildren Sara Sotengco husband Eric, Allie Woodward, Jake Woodward, Levi Mazza, Tamyra Mazza, Ty Mazza greatgrandchildren Elisa Sotengco as well as many other loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents John and Trudie Woodward, his brothers Leo and
Bill Woodward and his sister Pat Gabriel.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Texas City with Dr. Robert Miller officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at EmkenLinton Funeral Home.

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