Theodore “Ted” William Woodruff of Creighton, Missouri was born on January 15, 1944 in Cuba, Missouri to Teddie and Marie (Furry) Woodruff and passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the age of 82 years.
He grew up in Bourbon, Missouri, where he attended school and graduated from Bourbon High School in 1962. Soon afterward answered the call to serve his country by entering the United States Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1966.
Following his military service, Ted attended Southeast Missouri State University. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education there and later completed his specialist degree as well. Ted began his teaching career in Sikeston, Missouri, before relocating to Washington, Missouri, where he served for several years. In 1982, he moved to Creighton, Missouri, where he became principal of Sherwood High School. He remained in that role until his retirement in 1998.
He married Paulette Henkowski Brewer on May 20, 2000 in Harrisonville, Missouri.
Ted was a faithful Christian and a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Clinton, Missouri.
He was a true handyman and especially enjoyed woodworking and was a gifted carpenter who built many things, including bridges and outbuildings on his property.
He enjoyed golfing, hunting and teaching gun safety to his grandchildren. He also enjoyed sweets, especially ice cream and homemade cookies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Teddie and Marie Woodruff; and two brothers-in-law, Elasco Mathews and Ray Gumb.
He is survived by his wife, Paulette; children, Nicole Clampitt and husband George of Marble Falls, Texas, Jonna Capuchino and husband Neal of Brooksville, Florida and Jeremy Brewer and wife Michelle of Tonganoxie, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Alex Clampitt of Harrisonville, Missouri, Jennifer Clampitt of Marble Falls, Texas, Brinton Clampitt of Gardner, Kansas, Luke Clampitt of Garden City, Missouri, Joshua Capuchino of Asheville, North Carolina, Kyra Capuchino of Brooksville, Florida and Nicholas Brewer and Elliot Brewer, both of Tonganoxie, Kansas; two great granddaughters, Kamryn and Avery; three sisters, June Mathews of Cuba, Missouri, Margie Gumb of Burwell, Nebraska and Joann Woodruff of Orlando, Florida; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Clinton, Missouri.
Memorial Mass was held 11:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Clinton, Missouri with Rosary at 11 a.m.
Additional visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, Missouri.
Graveside services were held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Bacon Cemetery in Bourbon, Missouri with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.
