Funeral service for John Merle Woods Sr., 80 yearold Weatherford resident, will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. in The Chapel of the Lockstone Funeral Home of Weatherford. Another service will be held at First Baptist Church in Monroe, OK on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. with burial to follow in Monroe Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 13, 2023, 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home.
John was born on January 10, 1943, in Monroe, OK, to Harry Arthur and Viada (Young) Woods and passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 9, 2023. John grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance.
John graduated from Monroe High School in 1961, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Oklahoma State University in 1965. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in teaching from Harvard University in 1966 and a PhD in mathematics from Florida State University in 1973.
A dedicated educator, John taught mathematics for over 40 years. He began his career teaching high school math before pursuing his doctoral studies. He then joined Oklahoma Baptist University as a professor of mathematics and later moved to Southwestern Oklahoma State University. John believed that anyone could learn and enjoy math, and he dedicated his career to sharing this belief with others. His passion for teaching earned him several recognitions including the Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award, induction into the OSU Hall of Fame for outstanding alumni, and induction into the Oklahoma Educator’s Hall of Fame.
John was an avid outdoorsman and world traveler who loved exploring new places with family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, cooking, and playing games with family (especially Pitch and Scrabble). Known for his generosity and kindness, John always had a witty remark or a funny story to share.
John is survived by his wife of 28 years, Paulette Woods; three sons, John Woods Jr. and wife, Deana, Ben Woods and wife, Eliza and Paul Woods and wife, Sam; daughter, Roxanne Woods and husband, Louie Vargus; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, George Woods and wife, Kathy and Robert Woods and wife, Paula; two sisters, Barbara Chester and husband, Glendon and Mary Ulrich and husband, Tom; sister-inlaw, Carol Woods, surviving wife of Harry; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harry; granddaughter, Emily; and great-grandson, Conner.
John’s legacy of excellence, integrity and joy will live on through his family and students. He will be missed by all who knew him.