"Keeping The Memories Alive"

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COACH RICHARD M. WOODSON



Many of you will remember Mr. Woodson I'm sure.

Memorial services for Richard M. Woodson, 87, Lawrence, will be held at 2:00 PM. Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. Richard passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Bridge Haven in Lawrence.

Richard was born on June 2, 1935, in Hutchinson, KS, the son of Wesley Edward and Sara Lois (Price) Woodson. He married Carlee Penner on June 27, 1958, in Hutchinson, KS. She survives at the home. Other survivors include his children, Debra Lynn (David) Luman, Craig Scott (Wendee) Woodson, eight grandchildren, Lindsey Shepley, Chris Luman, Jessica Rausch, Katie Berry, Parker Woodson, Ryan Woodson, Bayley Woodson, Chelsee Holden, and nine great-grandchildren.

Richard proudly served in the Armed Forces as an Army Medic and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Fort Sam Houston, TX and Fort Carson in CO. After his discharge, he followed his lifelong passion of being a teacher and a Coach. After a few stops, he found his true calling at Hutchison High School, where he coached both Basketball and Tennis among many things. He was also tasked with starting the first ever Women’s Basketball team, which he proudly accepted and then took them to a Championship level. While at Hutch, he won two state Championships, numerous top ten finishes, produced one All American, was both the State Coach of the year multiple times and the Kellogg’s National coach of the year. Richard was also voted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.

After his coaching career, Woody, as his friends fondly called him, went on to be a tireless volunteer with the Lions Club of America, University of Kansas Relays and his Church among many other things that were important to him. Most of all Woody was a wonderful Grandfather and Great Grandfather to his family and left many lifelong lessons and memories for us all.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Robert Eugene Woodson and Wesley E. Woodson.

Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the First United Methodist Church or the Lions Club of America and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Rest In Peace Coach Woodson.