The stories of our lives are written moment by moment – in how we’ve loved each other and in the many ways we’ve touched each other’s hearts. Don Woods touched many hearts and lives in his 83 earthly years. The ripple effect will be passed on down as he has left this rural Alton, Missouri town in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. On September 23, 2025 he entered his eternal rest where there’s “Peace in the Valley” for him.
Don Woods was a true “River Man” in every sense of the word. He was born just a few miles from the Riverton access of The Eleven Point River to Charles Herbert Woods, a farmer, and Jessie Anna Phillips Woods, a school teacher and principal at Couch, on March 14, 1942. He had one older brother, Gene.
As a young boy Don picked blackberries to buy his first bicycle. His motive for needing the bike was to get to the river to go fishing. He grew up close to the Riverton Bridge that his dad had helped to construct and he received his Fishing Guide License there at age 16.
It was at a church service in the old two story Many Springs Baptist Church that Don walked the aisle as a young eight year old boy to ask Jesus into his heart. The minister, P.O. Freeman asked Don if there was someone else there that he knew needed Jesus and Don said, “My Dad”. Herb Woods accepted Jesus that day, too. So, under that Riverton bridge Don was baptized in The Eleven Point River, along with his Dad.
Don later was ordained as a Deacon in the Many Springs Church and served faithfully over 30 years. Don’s faith was the anchor of his core being.
Don Woods married Judith Ruth Howell “Judy” on August 3, 1963 and he knew that she was the “CATCH” of his life. They had two children, Debbie and Scotty and ran a family Canoe Rental and Guide Service on the Eleven Point River for decades – starting in 1965.
Don enjoyed fishing, hunting turkey and deer with his wife – especially after Don lost his hunting and fishing companion, their son Scotty, at age 17. Judy was truly Don’s soulmate. She was by his side sharing hopes and hardships for almost 62 years. Their prayers for the small blessings of each day always included many folks that touched their lives and hearts.
Lifelong friendships were formed from canoeists that came to float the river, and many have shared that their lives were changed because of Judy and Don and their witness for Christ.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Jessie Woods, his brother, Gene, his in-laws Wayne “Ted” and Mildred Howell, his wife, Judy on June 4, 2025 ~ just 111 days prior to him), and their son, Scott Woods in 1985.
Don is survived by his daughter Debbie and husband David Langston, along with a host of many beloved family members and friends.
“A good man to ride the river with” is one you know is true. He does exactly what he says and stands by you. He’s a special kind that will help you through your pain or if you’re in a bind. A “good man to ride the river with” offers a strong spirit when facing difficult times. He teaches you the principles of the B-I-B-L-E by the way he walks with you and me. He doesn’t have to say a word to be heard.
Don Woods was truly a man that encouraged others by the life he lived. His ripple effect will be something others can share as they celebrate the life and legacy of this tough Oregon County Missouri boy that just loved to ride the river!
To accommodate everyone, additional seating will be available, as well as a PA system.
Thank you for being a part of Don & Judy’s life.
