Richard Glennon Woods, age 96, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, at La Bella of Alton while under hospice care. Richard was born in February 1929 in Cadet, Missouri, to the late Charles and Beulah Woods. He was the middle of three children, with his sister, Juanita, the oldest, and Bonnie the youngest; both preceded him in death.
Richard proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After returning home, he began a long and dedicated career with the Olin Corporation, retiring in 1991. He was a gentleman of his time, a profoundly positive man who rarely grumbled or complained. He chose to approach life with patience, humor, and quiet strength.
Richard taught his children to believe in themselves and to stand up for what was right. He treated everyone with love, respect, and dignity. He was known for his quick wit and the funniest one-liners that appeared at the least expected moments. Richard greatly enjoyed being involved in his children's activities. Whether it was sports, music, remote control airplanes, teaching them how to ride a bike, or serving as a parent chaperone in the Alton Colonial Fife & Drum Corps, his involvement created cherished memories in their lives.
Richard had a deep appreciation for music and enjoyed a wide range of styles, including big band, jazz, pop, and light rock. He also enjoyed cookouts with his family and friends, as well as following professional football and baseball with great enthusiasm.
Besides his parents and sisters, Richard is preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Holguin, and his second wife, L. Gale Woods, with whom he was married for fifty-six years.
He is survived by his five children, each of whom brought great joy to his life: Beverly (Keith) Arnett of O'Fallon, Missouri; Traci Woods of Godfrey, Illinois; Deborah (Richard) Brynteson of Westminster, Colorado; Matthew (Sonya) Woods of Alton, Illinois; and Melissa (David) Goodwin of Alliance, Ohio.
He leaves behind seven grandchildren: Sean Miller, Nicole (Brett) Wildt, Jonathan Johnson, Eythan (Hannah) Brynteson, Emilie Brynteson, Alec Goodwin, and Annabelle Goodwin. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Taylor (Tommy) Johnson-Prevost, Elizabeth Wildt and Ethan Miller, and one great-great-grandchild, Raymond Johnson-Prevost. Richard is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Mary Dix and Shelly (Keith) Croxton; two nieces, Deborah DelMarchi and Robin Tripp; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
His family finds comfort in believing he and his beloved wife of fifty-six years are now together again, reunited in peace.
No service arrangements are currently scheduled. Additional information and an online guest book can be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com . To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Glennon Woods, please visit the Sympathy Store.