Thomas Clinton Woodward, Sr.

The whistle has blown, and the train has pulled into the station one final time for Thomas Clinton Woodward, Sr., 87, of Palestine, IL. A man whose life was built on iron rails, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his country and family, Tom passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by those he loved.

Born March 12, 1937, in Russell Township, rural Lawrence County, IL, Tom was one of seventeen children born to Tim & Bertha (Devin) Woodward. Growing up in a crowded home with little to spare, he learned early that loyalty, perseverance, and showing up for those who depended on him mattered more than what was in his pocket. Even as a young man, he put his family first—every paycheck from his first job went straight to his mother. He helped raise his younger sisters and stood by his siblings, a steady hand through the ups and downs of life.

Tom's journey on the rails began in 1954 when he hired on with the Illinois Central Railroad at just 17, needing a minor's permit to start. What began as a boyhood job quickly became a lifelong passion. From firing steam engines to engineering the Spirit of '76, Tom witnessed the railroad evolve over 42 years—from the golden age of steam to the dawn of computerization. Through it all, he remained dedicated to the job, often working long, grueling shifts to provide for his family.

His work ethic didn't stop at the tracks. Tom served his country with the same sense of duty, enlisting in the U.S. Air National Guard. He spent a year and a half on active duty during the Berlin Crisis and ultimately retired from the Reserves after 23 years. A fierce competitor, he was named MVP of the base playing basketball with the Air Guard and later spent 25 years patrolling right field in fast-pitch softball for Pioneer City. He made sure his family vacations just happened to pass through wherever his team was playing—jersey always at the ready.

Tom's love for sports extended beyond the field. A diehard Boston Celtics and Green Bay Packers fan, he was even more passionate about cheering for his grandkids. Whether in the stands hours before a game (often before the gym doors even opened) or strategically positioned so he didn't have to choose sides when grandkids played against each other, he never missed a chance to support them. He even paid them for rebounds—until they each pulled down 30 in a game and nearly sent him into bankruptcy!

But Tom didn't just expect effort on the court—he expected it in life. Hard work was a non-negotiable, and he made sure his family understood that from an early age. His grandkids quickly learned that if they wanted a little extra money for college, they'd better be ready to put in the hours next to him on a mower. And Tom mowed everything —Oak Grove Cemetery, his neighbors' yards, anywhere the grass dared to grow. It wasn't just about keeping things neat; it was about responsibility, diligence, and taking pride in a job well done. He believed in showing, not telling, and in leading by example. That's why, to this day, his children and grandchildren don't just work hard—they work like Tom.

A man who never met a stranger, Tom had an uncanny ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He could find common ground in minutes—like the time he was helping move his grandson Landon into college. Before the furniture was even set down, Tom had already introduced himself to Landon's new roommate, struck up a conversation, and discovered that the boys shared the same birthday! His generosity was just as natural; if a grandkid came to his house with worn-out tennis shoes, they left with a brand-new pair!

Despite his demanding work schedule, Tom made time for what mattered. He was early to everything—often hours early—whether it was a ballgame, a family dinner (for which his family learned to tell him a later start time) , or the annual family reunion. Last year, he insisted on an early release from the hospital just so he could make it.

Above all, Tom was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. From the moment he crossed the school assembly hall as a confident senior and stopped at the desk of the prettiest freshman in the room, his heart belonged to Betty. Their love story spanned nearly seven decades—years marked by resilience, laughter, and more than a few exasperated "Betty, do you know what time it is?!" (A question she was rarely concerned with, much to this early-bird's dismay.) He was a strict but loving father, determined that his daughters would marry good men (and he made sure a few suitors didn't last long) . He was immensely proud of his sons-in-law, and even prouder of the legacy he built through his children and grandchildren.

Tom Woodward's life was never idle—he was always moving, always working, always showing up for the people he loved. His journey was one of purpose, shaped by devotion to his family, his country, and the values he held dear. Though his time on this earth has come to an end, the solid, steady tracks he laid will surely guide generations to come.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, whom he married on November 3, 1956; his children & their spouses, Kim & Rick Leighty, Kaycee & Ray Titsworth, and Tom Woodward, Jr.; his grandchildren, Travis Titsworth, Landon Leighty, Jordon Leighty, Trevor Titsworth, Trent Titsworth, Whitney Smith, Delaney Arnold, and Joshua Woodward; by several beloved great-grandchildren; his brother & sister-in-law, Tim & Kay Woodward; his sisters, Betty & Bill Schultz, Bert Pinkstaff, Lucy Woodward-Silver, and Rachel & Larry Hunsaker; by many cherished nieces and nephews; and by Christian Moen, a foreign exchange student from Norway who lived with the Woodwards.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his children, TC and Kathy Lynn (both in infancy); a granddaughter, Trista Titsworth (in infancy); a great-granddaughter, Hope Leighty (in infancy); seven brothers, Glen, Harold, John, Jim, Bill, Dick, and Jack Woodward; and four sisters, Wanda Burton, Wilma Gowen, Francis Windel, and Edna Hall.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will immediately follow at 5:00 p.m., with Pastor Rod Carie officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Memorial contributions may be made to the "Tunnel to Towers Foundation" , an organization dedicated to supporting America's first responders, military veterans, and their families. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.