Kenneth "Ken" Irvin Woodhall

Kenneth “Ken” Irvin Woodhall

Greatest Grandfather and Father -

Kenneth “Ken” Irvin Woodhall, age 85, of Mechanicsburg , died peacefully at home and surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, December 20, 2014.  Ken was born on Thursday, February 14, 1929 in Bellwood, PA to the late Russell Irvin Woodhall and Margaret Arelia (Rodkey) Woodhall.  Ken was the widower of Marilyn Jeanne (Chelgren) Woodhall, whom he married on December 26, 1950 and who died on December 18, 2006.  In addition to his parents and wife, Ken is preceded in death by son, Keith Irvin Woodhall, and his brother, Ronald Woodhall.

Ken’s survivors include his children: Janet Benson and her husband, C. Deryl Benson of Lincoln University, PA, Paula DeWalt and her husband, Eric DeWalt; his six grandchildren: Ashley Benson, Jamie Woodhall, Garrett Benson, Kyle Woodhall, Zachary McPartland, Kayleigh DeWalt; his brother, Richard “Butch” Woodhall of Texas, and his daughter-in-law, Maryjane Woodhall of New York.

Ken graduated from Bellwood Antis High School as part of the class of 1947 and from Gettysburg College in 1959.  He was a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea, earning a commendation ribbon.  Ken retired in 1988 from Cumberland Valley School District in Mechanicsburg after over 30 years of service as a health and physical education teacher; first at the high school, and later at Good Hope Middle School.  A tailback in high school, himself, Ken’s dedication to high school sports and education and his time as an assistant high school coach led to his induction into the Cumberland Valley Football Alumni Association Hall of Fame .  Ken was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in New Kingstown.  He belonged to the PA Public School Teachers Association and the Tyrone Lodge #494 F & AM Masonic Lodge .  Ken was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and football, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cumberland Valley Eagles.  More than anything, Ken was the greatest grandfather and father.

All are welcome to join Ken’s family at his viewing on Friday, December 26, 2014, from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend Eric L. Funk officiating.  Military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard.  Ken’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Warm Hearts Café, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, immediately following the service.  Burial in Wood Cemetery in Grampian, PA will be on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at 12:00 noon.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or to Trinity United Methodist Church, 4 West Main Street, P.O. Box 26, New Kingstown, PA 17072.

Ken’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ken’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .