A funeral service celebrating the life of Richard Lee Wooddell, age 96, of Newark, will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 11, at the First United Methodist Church in Newark. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery where military honors will be observed by the Licking County Veterans Alliance.

Friends may call from 10 am-12 pm prior to the service at the church, 88 North Fifth Street in Newark.

Richard was born April 4, 1929 in Weston, West Virginia to the late Wayne Verr and Georgia (Montgomery) Wooddell. He passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at his home.

Richard was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy and also served in the United States Air Force. He retired from University of Pacific (UOP) in Stockton, California where he was an equipment manager. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newark.

He is survived by three children, Nikki (Charlie) Head, Michele (Peter) MacDonald, and David (Geri) Wooddell; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and his partner and dear friend, Barbara Doan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Delores Virginia (Sforza) Wooddell on December 26, 2006; a son, Richard Arlen “Rick” Wooddell on October 6, 1968; a brother, Wayne Allen Wooddell; and a sister, Delores Cochran.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, PO Box 729, Newark, OH 43058 or to Ohio’s Hospice of Centra Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, OH 43055.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Richard and his family.