Update: A Memorial service for John Woods will be held on June 7th, 2023 at 11:00 AM CT at the First United Methodist Church of LaPorte. (1225 Michigan Avenue / LaPorte, IN 46350). The service will be followed with Military Honors and then a light lunch at the church
John R Woods, 98, of LaPorte, IN, peacefully passed away following a brief illness on April 23rd, 2023. He was surrounded by loved ones.
John was born on May 19th, 1924, to Walter P Woods and Lillian Friend Woods in the bustling city of Beaver, PA. After John graduated from high school he enlisted in the US Army Signal Corp in October 1942. He served during WWII in Germany and the Philippines, and was discharged January 1946. After the army John worked as an industrial engineer in the semi-trailer and RV industries.
On August 20th, 1949, John married the love of his life, Betty J Rakestraw. They met at a skating rink in Lima, Ohio and married just 2 months and 10 days later. John and Betty went on to have 5 children, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandson. They had a joyous 73+ year marriage. John was passionate about his family, hunting, fishing and life in general. He and Betty enjoyed many years spending the winters in Florida.
John was predeceased by his daughter, Laura Woods (1957 - age 18 months). He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; 4 children, Robert (Jeanne) Woods, Richard (Lynda) Woods, Nancy (Lee) Archambeault, and Linda (Steve) Dragos; 5 grandchildren, Sara, Levi, Jeff, Walt and Josh; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to LaPorte First United Methodist Church, or to a charity of your choice in memory of John.
