DONALD CHARLES WOODS, 86, was born on May 23, 1932
in Morrowville, KS and passed away on May 24, 2018 in
Dallas, TX.
Don came from humble beginnings, losing his Dad at age
12 and working from then on to help his family. He
advanced through the Navy, Milwaukee School of Engi-
neering & in several defense & electronics engineering
companies across the U.S. from coast to coast before
settling in Richardson, TX in the 1960s. Don was a
Department Chief in Engineering for many years at
the Dallas Works.
He always told his family memories of swimming in creeks,
ice skating and working for local farmers growing up. He
was proud to be one of the last to drive a team of horses
up to the threshing machine during harvest. He always
said he was so grateful for how much people helped him
in his life but never took credit for how much he was
really helping others. Don raised his family in the
Richardson-Pearce neighborhood and was a leader in the
community throughout his life. His close circle of
friends were part of the initial engineering team at
TI in the 60s and 70s. They all have remained close
to this day. Don was always involved in the lives of
his children. He coached soccer, basketball & softball.
He was the parent sponsor for Indian Guides and Indian
Princesses. He always made the children feel special
and included. Don also served as Principal for the
children’s CCD program at St. Marks Catholic church
during the early years. He meant so much to us. We
will miss him very much. He can now join Ellen, the
love of his life.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, his son,
Donald C. “Chuck” Woods, Jr and his brother Jim Woods.
He is survived by children, Robert Woods and his wife
Danah, Elisa Shepard and her husband Kip, and Melissa
Woods and her husband Bruce Coachman; grandchildren
Madeline Woods, Mitchell Shepard, Mary Ellen Woods,
and Megan Shepard; numerous nieces and nephews; and
brother Jerry Woods.