Francis E. Woods

Francis E. Woods, 87, of Manhattan, KS, passed away in Manhattan, Tuesday evening with four generations of his family by his side. Francis was born on April 10, 1922 in Kansas City, Kansas the son of Bert E. and Eva M. (Janish) Woods. His father passed away when he was in the 9th grade and Francis stepped up to help raise his brothers and sisters. Francis had worked for Colorado Interstate Gas Company for 43 ½ years and retired as Field Superintendent in 1982. On May 25, 1945, he married the love of his life, Idell Huddleston, in Raton, New Mexico. The couple shared 62 years together. Idell preceded him in death on October 30, 2007. He and Idell were both members of the First Baptist Church in Keyes, Oklahoma. Francis enjoyed hunting and fishing. He never turned away anyone who needed help and was always helping those in need. He had a sense of humor that was addictive and had an incredibly strong faith in his Lord. Francis was a magnet for children, they loved him and he loved them, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would say, “The noise of the kids is music to my ears.” Surviving to honor his memory: his sons, Doug Woods and his wife Liz of Manhattan, KS, and David Woods and his wife Sheryl of Ft. Worth, TX; his sisters, Anita and Betty, his brother, Dale, his seven grandchildren, Kimberly Formby, Amber Woods, Jeff Kinzer, Amy Shue, Mindi Sturm, Mandy Barnes and Misti Reid and his15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Francis was also preceded in death by his brothers, Bill, Robert and Jack, his sisters, Dorothy, Grace, Mildred, Helen and Blanche, his daughter Linda Kinzer and his son-in-law Fred Kinzer. A Celebration of Francis’ Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday October 16th at Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego with burial following in Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan. He will lie in state on Thursday starting at 1:00 p.m. and the family will greet friends at a visitation that evening from 6:30-8:00 at the funeral home. Memorials have been designated in Francis’ name for Home Health & Hospice Care of Manhattan or First Baptist Church of Keyes Oklahoma. Contributions may be left in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego 665547.