FREDRICK EUGENE “GENE” WOODDELL God’s Special Child, age 56 years, a resident of the Faulkner Community, Elkins, WV departed this life Friday afternoon, September 30, 2011 at his home, and has taken his special place in Heaven with our precious Lord and his mommy.
He was born Sunday, March 20, 1955 at Elkins, WV the eldest son of Fredrick Lee “Fred” Wooddell, who survives at Elkins and the late Shirley Jean Hinchman Wooddell. He had never married, and lived with and was lovingly cared for by his parents all his life. Surviving Gene, along with his parents, is his “sissy,” Anita Hanifan, and his brother, Mike Wooddell. He’s also survived by three nieces whom he dearly loved, and who dearly loved him as well; Cynthia and Jenna Hanifan, and Ashley Wooddell. Also surviving are several aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as many, many family friends.
Predeceasing Gene besides his mother, were his maternal grandparents Oney and Margaret Marie (Gardner) Hinchman, and his paternal grandparents, Fred L., Sr. and Edith (Lantz) Wooddell.
He was a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church.
Until recent years, when Gene’s condition became critical, he enjoyed camping and long drives with his family. Throughout his life, he was as active as his handicap would allow, and enjoyed many activities with family and friends. Those who knew and loved Gene have been blessed with the experience of pure love and joy that comes completely from the heart of God’s Special Children.
While our hearts are heavy with the sadness of losing our precious Gene, and he’ll be greatly missed forever, may we find comfort in knowing that he is home with our Heavenly Father, and his handicap is no more.
The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 5 to 8 PM, Tuesday. Final Rites will be conducted at the funeral home chapel, Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 11:30 AM. The Rev. Leon Hevener will officiate and interment will follow at the Mountain State Memorial Gardens at Gilman, WV.
