Phillip Bernon Woodward (Woody) 77, a lifelong resident of Wabash, Indiana passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025. He was born July 15, 1947, in Wabash County Hospital to Bernon Wilber Woodward and Alberta Jayne Woodward (Marks).
Phil attended Wabash High School and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 5, 1965. He fought and served his country at Marble Mountain in South Vietnam. On February 24, 1966, he was Wounded in Action when a Bouncing “Betty” grenade exploded, killing many in his unit. It was a blessing he survived, but sustained life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the USS Repose ship also called the “Angel of the Orient” before being transferred to Okinawa, then finally back to the United States Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago. He spent most of a year recovering from his injuries before being released to go home. On October 25, 1966, Phil was issued 100% disability and permanently retired status. From the time he returned home until the time of his death, his family never once heard him complain despite his deep shrapnel wounds, his loss of hearing in one ear, or the loss of his right eye. Phil’s favorite saying was “Semper Fi” which means “always faithful” or “always loyal” and is the motto of the United States Marine Corps and the one he always stayed true to. The love for his Marine Corps never left him, if he ever saw anything with the USMC logo he bought it.
His dream was fulfilled to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, DC when on October 26, 2022, he was chosen to join the Northeast Indiana Honor Flight #40 along with 77 other veterans and his niece Angie as his chaperone. While at the wall he was able to find two of the Wabash County Marines that never made it home.
Phil worked many years beside his father at the B.W. Woodward Company and Tin Shop learning the trade of hot tar roofing. He eventually started his own business which he continued until a few years ago.
Phil was a lifelong fisherman. On one fishing trip he spotted Muhammed Ali on a boat. Phil called him over for a picture and much to his surprise, the boat came over and he got the picture of himself next to his boxing idol. The Wabash Plain Dealer printed the story and picture which his entire family and close friends received copies. He was also a lifelong music fan, had an extensive collection of albums he treasured, and attended many concerts over the years. Phil loved to Morel Mushrooms hunt. His family has photos of him returning from Michigan with a bathtub full of mushrooms that he would gladly share. That love of hunting them never left him. He also enjoyed traveling, the hunt for an antique bargain, collecting guns and arrow heads – many found on his parent’s farm in Rich Valley which used to be owned by Chief Clarence Godfrey. He enjoyed driving county roads, watching Gun Smoke (he owned every episode on DVD) and cheered for the Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts, and the Indiana University Hoosiers.
Most important though to him was his family and friends. Always checking in with family asking if they need help with anything or just hanging out and talking. Phil was very blessed to have many lifelong friends that meant very much to him. He had many stories and memories of fun times from years past and with current friends. Phil was a one of a kind, always, willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed help. He loved his life and lived each day to the fullest. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
He is survived by his older sister Janet (Woodward) Black of Wabash; Niece Angie Garman (Craig) Peyton of Louisville, KY; Nephew Phillip Scott (Luchita) Black of Las Vegas, Nevada; great nieces and nephews -Phillip (Kristen) Black; Kalie (Jono) Carlton; Kyle Peyton; Patrick Black; Shayna Peyton; Steven Bernon Black; and great great nieces and nephews – Jackson; Audrey; Hayes Alexander; and Kai Jackson. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Bernon Wilber Woodward (Woody) and Alberta Jayne Woodwards, nephews Nicky Bernon Reed and Larry Lee Black.
His family will honor and peacefully lay him to rest on Saturday, January 11, 2025, with full Military Honors.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor David Phillips officiating.
Visitation for friends and family will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the funeral home.
McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Phillip Bernon Woodward’s final arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com
