Arthur John Woods

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Arthur John Woods, lovingly called ‘Artie’ by his wife of 67 years and ‘Papa’ by his family and friends. Born September 28, 1932 in the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Arthur had 8 siblings who all have preceded him in death. His greatest joys in life were experienced in taking on the roles of soldier, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to build a strong and loving family. His grandchildren can attest to his desire to be the ‘go to’ person for any topic as he seemed to know the answers to everything when having life discussions.

Arthur experienced and survived the hardships of the Great Depression and sought a better life by joining the United States Army at the age of 17. His military career was a great source of pride to him and his family. Arthur served in the Korean War and received multiple honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Supervisor Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, The Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Services and the Purple Heart. After the war, he then spent his service years as a Bomb Disposal Supervisor at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He was referred to as ‘Woody’ by his fellow soldiers while in the military serving as a Sargent, First Class. He loved telling stories about his many experiences with the bomb disposal unit, including ‘near misses’.

After retiring from the military, he started a second career with Volkswagen of America, and later wrapped up his careers in Civil Service as a Medical Records Assistant at Brook Army Medical Center. His ultimate goal was to provide for his family and secure funds for He and ‘Mama’ for their retirement.

After retirement, he and Mina traveled the country in an RV for several years before returning to San Antonio to take one of his favorite roles in life, to be ‘Papa’ to his expanding line of grandchildren and great grandchildren. From Santa Claus, to doctor, to swim coach, to driver’s ed teacher, any role he could take on to bring his grandchildren joy and to teach them “a thing or two” about life, he did without reservation. Though the adage “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” has been a long standing staple of the U.S. Military, we all believe in our hearts they originally heard it from our Papa. He led an incredible and accomplished life, and his family is proud to carry on his legacy of strength, laughter, and love. We will forever feel his presence in our lives as we share his stories and wisdom to guide the next generations.

Survivors include his beloved wife Wilhelmina F. Woods; Son Michael James Woods and wife Ginger, Daughter Janean Woods Jenkins, Daughter Laurie Ann Woods Incledon and husband Rex; Grandchildren include Janice Faye Woods, Donald Fay Jenkins III, Ryan Allan Incledon and wife Summer, Travis Michael Woods, Christine Laura Woods, Virginia Incledon Katz and husband Brian, Carmen Incledon Chairez and Husband Leo, Kelley Marie Incledon, Holly Carin Incledon, Max David Incledon, Caleb Ray Incledon, Molly Ann Incledon.

Great Grandchildren include Audra Leigh Incledon, Olivia Danhof Woods, Adiah Allan Incledon, John David Michael Woods, Atticus Layne Jenkins.

Arthur was preceded in death by his son Arthur John Woods, Jr.

The family offers a special thank you to the health care professionals that helped care for him and continue to support his wife.