Joe Woodruff

Joe Woodruff Joe Henry Woodruff of Joplin, MO, died Friday evening, March 14, 2008, at Fredonia Regional Hospital. He was 81. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel in Neodesha. A private family committal will take place at a later date in the Altoona Cemetery. The son of John and Agnes Malvina Clarkson Woodruff, he was born June 18, 1926, in Altoona, Kansas. He graduated from Altoona High School in 1945 He joined the US Army on September 22, 1950 and served in both the Korean Conflict and in Vietnam. During his service in Korea, he saw action at Heartbreak Ridge and Hill 1804. He was involved in large scale ambushes in Vietnam as well. He received the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service, the Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense and Vietnam Service Medals. Sgt. Woodruff was a senior welder with Co. B 701 Maintenance BN 1st Infantry Division at Dau Tienz, Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Kansas State Teachers College. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion Mr. Woodruff retired from the Joplin Public Works Department after many years of service. Survivors include three sisters, Mamie Erbe and Irma Violett, both of Neodesha, KS, and Ann Russell and her husband Dale of Independence, KS; and one brother John Wesley Woodruff of Las Vegas, NV. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Margie Smith and Mable Williams. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.penwellgabel.com.