Jeff Woodall

Jeffrey Wayne Woodall passed away August 26, 2026 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. He was born on February 3, 1951, in Tampa, Florida, to Dwight and Wanda Dobson Woodall.

Jeff grew up in a military family which involved a number of moves. His youth was filled with various activities including being a member of Boy Scouts and achieving an Eagle Scout badge. The last place his dad was stationed was Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas, which led to Jeff attending St John’s Military School beginning in the 7th grade. He was involved in a number of school organizations, including the Crack Squad (rifle drill team), and sports. Excelling in wrestling, he went to State his Junior and Senior years; which led to his receiving a wrestling scholarship to Kansas State University. While at St. John’s, Jeff had the once in a lifetime experience of being a member of the Honor Guard at President Eisenhower’s funeral in Abilene.

Attending Kansas State University, Jeff received a Bachelors of Science Degree in History and Political Science with an emphasis in research. He was part of the ROTC program and also joined Pershing Rifles G-7. During the 1971-72 school year, he was the commander of Pershing Rifles G-7 Headhunters drill team. Under his direction, the team won regimentals at Wichita and took second at nationals in Champagne, Illinois. Jeff received his commission in 1974; thus beginning his eventful 12+ year military career that included 2 Silver Star and 3 Purple Heart metals. His career ended with an honorable discharge due to physical disability in 1987 as a Captain. During his military career he received a Masters Degree in International Relations. Jeff then began a second very successful career as an insurance marketing representative with John Alden. He retired in 2003 because of health reasons.

Never ending interests filled Jeff’s life. Researching ancestry and developing the family tree gave Jeff much enlightened satisfaction. Cooking, especially grilling, was something Jeff enjoyed doing. He was taken with a variety of art, especially paintings, and liked attending concerts, plays, opera, ballet. Jeff enjoyed and found comfort listening to all genres of music. Most of all Jeff was a voracious reader of fiction and nonfiction books and found solace in writing at which he was very good. One of his greatest joys in his life was decorating for the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, to share with others.

Jeff met Valerie Collier, the love of his life, at Kansas State University in the fall of 1969, but they did not marry until July 8, 2000. Their life together was one of unconditional love and commitment.

Treasuring the time he spent with them, Jeff loved his children. He wanted them to pursue what made them happy in life and was proud of their accomplishments. Leading by example, Jeff instilled in them values and a strength to live life. He also loved his grandchildren who brought much joy into his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dwight and Wanda Woodall, bother-in-law Jack Brewer, and nephew Wayne Guerrant.

Jeff is survived by his wife Valerie; his sister Anita Brewer; his sons Chadd (Brandie) Woodall and Jeffrey (Willow) Woodall; daughter Corey Krick (Luke Chesmore); grandchildren Scarlett Woodall, Clarkson Woodall and Sarah, Jake, and Max Krick; niece Suzy (Sean) Morton; brother-in-law John Collier (Kris).

Visitation will be held 6-8 pm in Council Grove, KS on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Council Grove/ Dunlap United Methodist Church.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Council Grove/ Dunlap United Methodist Church. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will then follow at the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the following and may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.

* St. John’s Military School Historical Museum

* Kansas State University Pershing Rifles G-7 

* Morris County 4-H Foundation