Donald H Woodyard

Born June 10, 1936 in New York City to Darrel A. and Alice Woodyard, he spent his early years in Inwood and East Rockaway, New York before relocating with his family to Stillwater, Oklahoma.

He was a 1954 graduate of Stillwater High School. In his college years at Oklahoma A&M, he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, and covered men’s basketball and served as editor of the Daily O’Collegian student newspaper.

Following graduation from college he served his country, enlisting as an officer in the US Army in February, 1959. While stationed in Germany, he met the former Nancy Lynne Ingmire and they were married on Dec. 30, 1961.

Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, he entered the journalism field. After working for the Houston Press, he followed his uncles Donald and Willard to El Paso, moving to town in 1964.

He worked at the El Paso Herald-Post, serving on the copy desk and as News Editor before becoming Radio and TV Editor until his time there ended in 1984. His journalism career also included stops at the Westside Today, El Diario, and in San Elizario.

He devoted many years to the youth of Northeast El Paso, working with Juvenile Probation Intervention, Cub Scouts of America and Northgate Optimist Club, selling Christmas Trees and working with the Summer baseball leagues that played at Franklin Field and Veterans Park.

His Episcopal faith was also very important, as he served Christ the King and later Holy Spirit Church for over 50 years in various roles including acolyte leader, vestryman, clerk, and lay reader.

He was preceded in death by his wife and best friend of 56 years, Nancy I. Woodyard, also by his parents Darrel and Alice and brother John H. Woodyard. Survivors include his sons Robert of El Paso and Joe (Ann) Woodyard of Overland Park, Kan.

He leaves behind his love of family, miniature cannons, and military movies, especially She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.

Please consider a memorial contribution to Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Don’s honor.