Donald Lee Woodward

Donald Lee Woodward was born on January 6, 1963, in Yarinacocha, Peru, to George and Phyllis (Brown) Woodward. 

“Donny” grew up, barefoot and carefree, with his sister Lois and brother Tom in the Amazon jungle of Peru. His parents were missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Don loved waking up each morning to the chatter of tropical birds and monkeys, and to the rumble of his father’s plane taking off on the grass strip next to their house. This rich childhood became the foundation of Don’s adult life: his choice to become an aviator and a missionary, but especially his strong faith in God, and his love for, and belief in, everyone who entered his life.

Don received a B.A. in cultural anthropology from Bethel College in St. Paul, MN (1985), certificates in Missionary Aviation Technology and A&P from Moody Aviation in Elizabethton, TN (1991), and an M.B.A. in international business from Newman University in Wichita, KS (2010). 

While studying and working in MN, Don attended Faith Mennonite Church where he met and later married Joan Schrock. Together they raised their family of three girls: Laurel Mae, born in 1991, Ardys Ann in 1994, and Chloe Juana in 1997.

Don served as a pilot/mechanic in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1994-1999, commissioned by the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Don flew medicines, supplies, and personnel to remote hospitals and communities difficult to reach by road. He felt strongly that the work of the church should not just be done by expatriate missionaries, and so worked hard to find pathways to training for individuals who had a passion to serve.

In the year 2000, Don and Joan moved to Kansas, where Don worked as a flight instructor for Hesston College Aviation. As part of the program, Don established an annual symposium called ‘Aviation as Mission’ to encourage students to consider how they could integrate their faith into their careers in aviation.

In 2007, Don pivoted to Cessna (Textron Aviation) in Wichita, working as the manager of the Flying Club and later as a demonstration pilot. He especially loved international work trips. Border crossings and cultural/linguistic challenges did not rattle him; he enjoyed the process and finding solutions. Don loved aviation, yes, but it was the connections with people that fueled him.

Family was one of Don’s greatest priorities. His girls were his pride and joy. He spent many hours with them, coaching, attending sporting and music events, camping, cooking, creating massive paper maché projects, flying, and singing. He deeply valued his relationships with his extended families as well: nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was playful and never ran out of puns, but he was also always ready to engage in deep conversations on difficult topics. 

Don was a member of Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton, KS. Shalom was his family, his community, his place of service for 25 years. Don served as a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader, encouraging youth and adults to put faith into action. Stories abound from service trips, survival hikes, early Easter sunrise bonfires, retreats, and snow camps. Don loved to sing. He led singing with the children before Sunday School classes, and regularly contributed his musical gifts during worship.

Don died on November 27, 2024, from complications related to cancer. Throughout his illness, he remained hopeful and positive about life. He approached his treatments with determination, and his focus remained on relationships and living in the moment.

Don is survived by his life partner Joan Schrock-Woodward; his “three beautiful little girls” Laurel, Ardy, and Chloe and their chosen family Ben, Levi, Claire, Sarah, and Hayley; beloved grandchildren Auden and Ludo; and siblings Tom (Bev) Woodward and Lois (Bryan) Varenkamp. He is preceded in death by his parents George and Phyllis Woodward. 

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton. The service can be live streamed here - http://www.youtube.com/live/3VLQxz9gUg4

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shalom Mennonite Church local outreach (memo: Don Woodward memorial), Wings of the Morning (Southern Congo), or Paris Mennonite Center (Mennonite Mission Network).