Lanny R. Woodward

Lanny R. Woodward, 85 of Nortonville passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, at his home.  Born April 19, 1939, to the late Noel and Ruth (Martin) Woodward of Nortonville.  Lanny graduated from South Hopkins High School.  He then served as a Tank Commander in the U.S. Army followed by the Army National Guard.  

Lanny earned his Bachelor, Masters and Rank I degrees from Murray State University.  His teaching career began at Lake Providence, Louisiana, before coming back to Hopkins County.  Upon his return he was a teacher, head boy’s basketball coach and assistant principal at South Hopkins High School.  He then served as Principal at Mortons Gap Elementary School before returning to South Hopkins High School as Principal.  After 34 years in education, Lanny retired as an assistant superintendent for the Hopkins County Board of Education.

He was an active member of Nortonville United Methodist Church for over 65 years.  Lanny was also a 65 year member of N.H. Shaw Lodge #608, having served as PM and PDDGM D6.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brother, Noel Durwood “Durby” Woodward; twin brother, Danny H. Woodward; and niece, Kelly Woodward Minyard.

Survived by his wife of 51 years, Gaye Lynn (Clark) Woodward; daughter, Jill (Jody) Richey; son, Ross Woodward; granddaughter, Kara Richey Roberts; grandson, Nicholas (Samantha) Richey; great-grandsons, Finn Roberts, Fisher Roberts, Forrest Roberts and Parker Richey; nephews, Noel “Woody” (Amy) Woodward and Roger H. (Brenda) Woodward; nieces, Carol Woodward, Toni (Dennis) Dunville; sister-in-law, Patricia Woodward; brother-in-law, Larry V. (Julia) Clark; and several other nieces and nephews.  

After cremation, there will be a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 12, at the Nortonville United Methodist Church located at 6 N. Main St. in Nortonville.  Visitation will begin at noon until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to the Nortonville United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 403, Nortonville, KY 42442  or to the New Salem Cemetery Fund, PO Box 8, Nortonville, KY 42442.

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