Kenneth Derald Woodard

Kenneth D. Woodard, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 27 after a long and courageous battle with leukemia, at the age of 69. Though cancer ultimately had the final say—as it so often does—Kenneth faced the end with gratitude rather than regret, love instead of fear. He said this wasn't the ending he would have planned, but "that's why they call it life." He reflected in his final days on the happiness he had known and the joy he felt in seeing his family happy.

Kenneth was born in Nacogdoches, TX in the summer of 1955, but lived in Louisiana and Akansas before his dad retired from the Air Force to Chireno, TX. He graduated from Chireno High School before earning his degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1977. After working for the City of Nacogdoches, he moved to Houston, where he spent the bulk of his professional career in tax assessments for the oil and gas industry, primarily with Anadarko. He relished the independence of his work, recalling road trips to remote stretches of Kansas and West Texas, and cherished close friendships with colleagues like his traveling buddy, Carl.

While in Houston, Kenneth formed a lifelong bond with his "chosen brother," Joe Sebesta, who became a steadfast friend and supporter through every season of life, including his final days.

In 2018, Kenneth returned to Nacogdoches for retirement, where his dear friend Kim Boatman found him a house in her neighborhood. Lifelong friend and distant cousin Pat Metteauer, who had graduated with him from Chireno High School and lived in Houston, also retired to Nacogdoches a year after Kenneth and joined the neighborhood. They enjoyed travels and holidays together, and Pat was always willing to share in providing rides to MD Anderson for appointments. The two often reminisced about high school shenanigans, and she put up with his bickering just like a sister.

Always one to reach out to family, Kenneth became especially close to cousin Jean Greer McCollum in recent years. They enjoyed visits together in Chireno, as well as at her home in Florida.

He loved to travel—adventuring across the country with friends in his youth, going to Europe in the 80s and 90s, and going back to Europe and visiting Mexico during retirement with family and companions. A lifelong car enthusiast, Kenneth delighted in owning fun vehicles like his beach-bound Jeep, a Ford Bronco before it was trendy, and a pair of BMW X6s.

Though Kenneth never married or had children, his life was rich in love. He was especially close with his sister, Barbara Woodard Balch, who selflessly supported and cared for him throughout his illness. Over the past two years, she was his tireless advocate—attending appointments, staying with him in the hospital, and simply being present. In his final days, Kenneth reflected on the deep bond he shared with Barbara. Though they may not have always spoken it aloud, he believed she knew just how much he loved her—and how profoundly grateful he was to have had her by his side throughout the journey of life. She was with him at the very end.

He was deeply generous and loving to his extended family, particularly his nieces, nephew, and their children: Jillian Balch Dublin and her husband Dean of Jacksonville, Marcie Balch Splann and her husband Kyle of Nacogdoches, and Blake Balch and his wife Janel of Linden, Virginia. He was a proud and affectionate great-uncle to ten great-nieces and nephews.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Martha Metteauer Woodard and Winfred “Jigger” Woodard; his brother-in-law, Allan Balch; and his grandmother, Ruth “Mama Ruth” Metteauer, a steady and shaping influence in his life.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal service. His ashes will be scattered at his beloved family farm in Chireno and a headstone will be placed at the Chireno Lower Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Lower Chireno Cemetery, Chireno, TX 75937, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice.