10/29/1946 – 11/15/2021
Lawrence, KS
Jon Melvin Woodward, 75, passed to the Grand Lodge Above on Monday, November 15th from complications of heart and kidney disease.
Jon was born October 29, 1946, in Dodge City, Kansas and raised in Salina, Kansas. He graduated from Salina High School in 1964. Jon obtained a Bachelor degree in geography and international relations in 1968, followed by a Master of Arts in geography in 1970. After teaching for a year at Indiana State University, he returned to Kansas where he became a senior planner with the Topeka Shawnee County Metropolitan Planning Commission and the initial Director of Planning and Development at the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority, helping to oversee the transfer of Forbes Air Force Base to local control.
In 1980, he joined Coffman Associates of Kansas City where he managed airport planning projects at more than 100 local airports throughout the United States. In 1988 he moved on to Landrum & Brown of Cincinnati where he eventually rose to become Executive Vice President of Environmental Planning and managed planning efforts at some of the largest airports in the world, specializing in the development of solutions to improve the aircraft noise environment over millions of residents near major metropolitan airports. Late in his career he worked on international airport development and environmental projects in Europe, China, and the Middle East. As one of the leaders in his field, he wrote a guide for the National Science Foundation detailing public involvement techniques useful in environmental projects.
Jon was a long-time Freemason in the Lawrence area, having served as Worshipful Master of Lawrence Lodge #6 and Mount Zion Lodge #266 multiple times. He also served as the senior leader of the Scottish Rite Bodies of Lawrence for ten years, overseeing the construction of the Lawrence Masonic Center, as Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees Chapter in Topeka, and as Chairman of the Advisory Committees of Lawrence chapters of the Order of DeMolay for Boys and Rainbow for Girls.
Jon was preceded in death by parents, Melvin Earl and Violet Jean (Finlay) Woodward, and his in-laws Robert and Mary (Hankey) Orson.
Jon is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vickie Sue Orson Woodward, three daughters, Kimberly Turner (Jeremy) of Baldwin City, Amanda Davis (Josh) and Ashley Woodward of Lawrence and grandchildren Heath Turner, Demari Daniels and Ariella Daniels, sister, Judy McNish (Ron), niece, Sarah Melius (Grady), great-niece, Avery Melius, as well as many cousins scattered across the country.
A celebration of life will be held at the Lawrence Masonic Center (1301 E 25th Street) on Sunday, November 21st at 2pm.
His family requires, for the safety of his wife, Vickie, who is immunocompromised after a liver transplant, that only individuals who are FULLY vaccinated against COVID-19 plan to attend. If you are feeling ill, please stay home. A live-stream or video of the service will be available for those who are not vaccinated, or who are not able to attend. Masks (worn properly) will also be required to attend.
Memorial contributions to can be made through Warren McElwain and will benefit the Jon M. Woodward Memorial Scholarship Fund, being set up through Mount Zion Lodge #266.
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