Martin Bennett Woodruff

Decatur ~ Martin Bennett Woodruff, 75, went to be with our Lord Monday, January 8, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Decatur. Family will receive friends 6-8:00 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur. Military Honors provided by The Wise County Veterans Group.

Martin was born June 19, 1948 to Willard Bennett, Jr. and Mary Louise (Gettys) Woodruff in Austin, Texas. He was united in marriage January 1, 1971 to Jana Sue Long in Decatur, Texas. Martin attended the University of Texas at Arlington, where he sang folk music & was active in ROTC. After graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, he proudly served in United States Army, both in Viet Nam & around the U.S. During his service he was able to earn Master's Degrees in  Logistics, Computer Science, also in Transportation Management. He retired from the service in 1979 & moved back to Decatur.

He retired after many years as a manager for Poco Graphite. Martin was in Lion’s Club for over 44 years, since 1980; member of Decatur City Council for 14 years and Mayor from 2012-2020.

He started the Wise County Health Forum and instrumental in the start-up of Health Fair, and the Community Health Center. Martin was head of the Reunion parking Committee and Treasurer from 2007-2013; a member of United Way since 1993, and Executive Director since 2003. He was a member of FUMC in Decatur where he was Song-Leader after Charles Wilhite for 30 years in the early service. Martin was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.B. and Mary Louise Woodruff; and a brother, Tim Woodruff.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Jana Woodruff of Decatur; 2 daughters, Thea Woodruff of Austin and husband Shannon Shaddock, and Lauren Campbell and husband Lance of Prairie Grove, Arkansas; a son, Evan Woodruff and wife Gina of Austin; 8 grandchildren, Zoë & fiancé Trevor, Aiden, Zachary, Ronan, Thorin, Crozlë, Alexandra, and Jaxon; his brother, Mason Woodruff and wife Karen; sisters, Nannette Williams and husband Kevin, and Nola Cocanougher and husband Daniel; his sister-in-law, Joy Woodruff; numerous, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.