Kenneth Lee Woods

Kenneth Lee Woods, 63, of Osage Beach, formerly of Hannibal and Louisiana, MO went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 11, 2016. He was also known to many as Ken or Kenny. Kenneth was born to Robert Gene and Marian Edith Hallows Woods in Louisiana, MO on May 20, 1953. He was a graduate of the Louisiana High School Class of 1971. He went on to earn a bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla (UMR) in 1976. Immediately after graduation he began his career in engineering at Crane and Fleming in Hannibal, MO, which later became MECO Engineering Co., Inc. He received his Professional Engineer license in 1980. He was named a partner of the firm in 1988. He dedicated 40+ years to MECO before retiring in July, 2016. Family was most important to him, but there is no doubt MECO was his second greatest passion. He loved being an engineer. He gave his total self to MECO, and was very instrumental in developing such deep relationships with clients and employees, that they soon became longtime friends. Kenneth married Donna Jenkins on July 24, 1976. She survives. This year marked 40 years of marriage and his love for her was like no other. Donna was his best friend. If you spent any time talking with him, you surely heard him share his admiration for her or witnessed them holding hands as they walked side by side. Together they brought life to two daughters, Laura Lee and Heather Lynn (Durbin). Laura Lee preceded him in death on November 14, 1993. While Kenneth and Donna suffered greatly with her loss, they clung to their faith, one another, and the joy of knowing they will one day be rejoined with her in the everlasting life our God has offered us. What an amazing reunion he is having with her now. His daughter Heather Durbin, her husband Steve (“Dauber”) and four children, Laura Lynn, Clinton “Wade”, Bennett Steven and Evelyn Pearl of Osage Beach, Mo also survive. While approaching retirement, Kenneth moved his primary residence to Osage Beach to spend his free time with the family he loved and adored so much. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren for golf cart rides around the neighborhood, out in the boat and hanging on their dock on Lake of the Ozarks. He loved to entertain friends with dock parties, grilling ribs, and his famous biscuits and gravy for breakfast. He enjoyed boating, golfing, cooking and in his younger years, bowling league. Kenneth is a member of the First Baptist Church of Louisiana, MO. He served many years there as a deacon and youth leader. Kenneth also had a great pride and commitment to serving in the Rotary Club of Hannibal. During his time with Rotary and throughout his life he engaged in their mission of “Service Above Self.” Kenneth was a very generous and loving man. He (and Donna) often took in many children at different times in their life that they loved and treated as their own. One of those very special daughters, Sarah “Bear” Whistler Mezzera, along with her husband Chad and their daughter Kedzie of Clovis, CA also survive. Philip Meier (Lamia) of Zurich, Switzerland, which Kenneth considered a son, after living with them for 6 months in 1994, too survives. Whether it was food, shelter, finances, guidance, and/or support Kenneth always wanted to make sure others were taken care of. Kenneth is also survived by his father, Robert “Bob” Woods of Louisiana, MO. He enjoyed spending time with his dad in the outdoors, riding ATVs, as well as deer and mushroom hunting. Kenneth is also survived by one brother David (Marilyn) also of Louisiana, MO. Survivors also include: One Aunt, Louise Carlberg and one Uncle, Roy (Jane) Woods; Father-in-law Don (Carol) Jenkins and Mother-in-law Louise (Alton) Jenkins, all of Louisiana, MO. Sister-in-law Peggy (Dennis) Griffith of Troy, MO; Brother-in-law Bob (Julie) Jenkins of Louisiana, MO; Sister-in-law Judy (John) Shelton of College Station, TX; Sister –in-law Michelle Jenkins of Chesterfield, MO; Brother-in-law Tim (Julie) Jenkins of St. Louis, MO; Brother-in-law Steve (Kathy) Jenkins of Ivor, VA; Sister-in-law Mary (Jamie)Wilson of Quincy, IL. Nieces and Nephews: Whittney (Kris) Lee of O’Fallon, MO; Donnie (Jenn) Jenkins of O’Fallon, MO; Dennis Griffith of Hawk Point, MO; Christy (Justin) St. Pierre of Troy, MO; Stacey Griffith of Troy, MO; Tim (Ashley) Jenkins of Louisiana, MO; Donnie (Samantha) of Columbia, MO; Christopher (Jeannine) Russell of Grovetown, Georgia; Madison and Parker Jenkins of Chesterfield, MO; Joe and Samantha Jenkins of Ivor, VA; and two special nieces he thought of as grandchildren, Olivia and Rachel Wilson of Quincy, IL. They spent much of their time, vacations, laughter and joy with their Uncle Kenny. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Marian Woods, Mother-in-law Carol Lee Jenkins, and Brother-in-law Dan Jenkins. Visitation will be held, Thursday, September 15, 3-8pm at Collier’s Funeral Home, 117 Barnard Drive, Louisiana, MO. Funeral services are Friday, September 16, 10:30am at the First Baptist Church of Louisiana, MO. The Dr. Bob Feeler will officiate. Burial will be at the Fairview Cemetery near Louisiana, MO. Pallbearers are: Lee Steinman, Stuart Link, Clay Baldwin, John Middleton, Craig Hemphill, Kevin Willis and Roger Keller Honorary Pallbearers include: Scott Vogler, Max Middendorf, Jim Bensman, Bob Vogler, Mavis Lehenbauer, and Brian Holle Memorial Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Laura Lee Woods Memorial Fund C/O First Baptist Church of Louisiana, 608 S Carolina, Louisiana, MO 63353, or the Foundation for Barnes Jewish Hospital General Liver Fund, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63310, www.givingbarnesjewish.org.

Kenneth Lee Woods

May 20, 1953 - September 11, 2016