Burlan Woods

Burlan Woods, son of Oliver and Bessie (Guthrie) Woods, was born August 23, 1931, at home west of Westville, Oklahoma. He passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Quail Ridge Living Center in Colcord, Oklahoma (West Siloam Springs), at the age of 92 years, one month, and fourteen days.

He is survived by his loving wife Bethel Woods, one son Blake Woods and wife Donna of Westville, his daughter Beth Woods of Westville, daughter-in-law Gayla Woods of Westville, one sister Wilma Arnold of Springfield, Missouri, nephew Dr. Doak Phillips and wife Kim of Brownsville, Texas, and nephew Kyle Phillips and wife Susie of Springfield, Missouri. He is also survived by grandchildren Kyle Woods and wife Julie, Clint Woods, Keith Woods, Kevin Woods and wife Ashley, Kelsey Lohman and husband Wyatt, Katlin Woods, Tiffany Thomsen and husband Oran, Tyler Woods, Tom Woods, Tandy Pharr and husband Weston, and Tosha Woods, and three great-grandchildren Baylor Woods, Landen Carte, and Lynlie Webb.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Bessie Woods, son Breck Woods, and grandson Trace Woods.

Burlan attended grade school at Hern School and high school at Westville. After graduating he attended Northeastern State College until he was about to be drafted in the army, so he volunteered in the Air Force. While home finishing his degree, he met Bethel Means and married April 21, 1957, 66 years ago. After discharge from the Air Force, they came back to Westville and bought a small farm. He started his career in education teaching Math in Watts, and would move on to Westville as a teacher, then a principal, and later the superintendent. During his time as superintendent, he supervised the construction of several buildings on the school campus.

Burlan and Bethel built a meat processing plant on the farm and they operated it for several years. He had such an interest in drafting and building that he was able to build Stilwell High School, which was the last big project of his career.

During his retirement he and Bethel were busy ranching, traveling, gardening, and enjoying their grandchildren. He was passionate about genealogy, local history, and was active in the VFW. He worked hard to capture the history of veterans in Adair County and published two books with the help of the VFW and Adair County Historical and Genealogical Association.

Burlan wouldn't want anyone to be sad for too long. He would want everyone to remember the love, laughter, and memories shared.