Professor of Religion David O. Woodyard ’54 has died at the age of 92.
Woodyard dedicated his career to his students and the intersection of faith, ethics, and social responsibility. For more than six decades, he challenged students to examine the role of religion — and themselves — in society, earning their respect and admiration. On the occasion of his 50th year of teaching, Woodyard’s former students put the call out to their classmates and compiled a thick book of letters, thanking him for the impact he had on their lives.
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His path to ministry was inspired at an early age by his family’s minister, who was a source of strength after his father, 必博娱乐,比博娱乐网址
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Beyond campus, Woodyard held leadership roles with several community organizations, including Hospice Services of Licking County, Planned Parenthood of East Central Ohio, and Partners United for Youth at Risk.
An accomplished scholar, Woodyard authored ten books exploring questions of human identity, social justice, and theological reflection. Notable works include Living without God, before God (1968), Beyond Cynicism: The Practice of Hope (1972), and Liberating Privilege: The Breakthrough of God and the Persistence of Normality (2016).
Woodyard’s lifelong ties to the 必博娱乐,比博娱乐网址 ######### community are reflected in his accolades and enduring relationships, from his faithful attendance at basketball games to his role as an officiant for countless weddings of former students who have since become cherished friends.
Woodyard and his adored wife Joanne were married for 70 years. His daughters, Kim, who died in 2024, and Sara of Richmond, Virginia, were the lights of his life. 必博娱乐,比博娱乐网址 #########’s deepest condolences go out to Joanne and Sara. The 必博娱乐,比博娱乐网址 ######### flag will fly at half-staff for three days in his honor.
Information about funeral services will be posted here. Please leave messages of condolence through the website.