Philip Woodford

Philip R. Woodford, age 92, of Erie passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at his residence.

He was born April 1, 1922 in Lockwood, Ohio, son of the late Dwight and Drusilla McDowell Woodford.

He graduated salutatorian from Farmington High School in West Farmington, Ohio and from Syracuse University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He was a member of Theta Tau Fraternity.

He had a lifelong love of flying, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he flew B-25 bombers and A-20 fighter planes during World War II, while stationed in New Guinea, the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan. Among his awards were the Philippine Liberation Medal and two Star Victory Medals. He is honored in the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va., and the Pilot’s Walk in Orangeburg, SC. After his discharge, he remained in the Air Force Reserve another ten years.

He retired from Lord Corporation in 1988 where he held several positions, including Manager of the Helicopter and Fixed Wing Division. He received the Lord Technical Excellence Award in 1985 for aerospace products, and was the recipient of five patents. He also procured and flew the first corporate airplane for the Company-a single engine Bonanza. Having an Instructor’s License, he enjoyed teaching others to fly.

He was a member of the Kahkwa Club, the former Aviation Club, the Maennerchor and the Shrine Club. He joined Western Reserve No. 507 F.&A.M. in West Farmington, Ohio in 1945. He later joined the York Rite Bodies in Erie, including Chapter, Council and Commandery. He also joined Zem Zem Temple Shrine in Erie, and is a life member of all three Masonic organizations.

He was Co-Chairman of the Centennial Celebration of the Kahkwa Club in 1993, served on the Golf Committee, and was Chairman of Senior Golf there for twelve years. He was Senior Golf Champion in 1993, 1994 and 2000. He also had two holes-in-one.

He enjoyed playing bridge, the theater, traveling, and was an avid golfer and skier. He received the Bronze Award from the Red Devil ski group in Kitzbuhl, Austria, one of his favorite ski resorts.

He was a great fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cavaliers and Browns.

He was well known for his pleasing personality and winning smile.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy (Elmer) Edwards, and four brothers: Walter, James, Donald and Carroll Woodford.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, of 69 years and two sisters-in-law, Charlotte (Richard) Surman of Bexley, Ohio and Martha (Carroll) Woodford of West Farmington, Ohio, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, (at Powell Avenue) on Sunday from 11 a.m. until the time of service there at 1 p.m. with Reverend Robert Kantner officiating. The funeral service will include a Masonic Service at 1 p.m.