Mr. Francis L. Woodward, age 81, of 141 Johnson Road, Ilion, NY (Cedarville) passed away on Tuesday July 18, 2006 with his family by his side. He was born September 27, 1924 in Utica, NY the son of the late Harold E. & Elizabeth (Wandley) Woodward. He was educated in Utica schools, having attended Kemble and later UFA. On December 13, 1942 Francis began service to our country with the United State Air Force. He was a crew member on B-17 & B-24 Bombers on 31 missions during World War II. He was honorably discharged on September 29, 1945 after receiving numerous medals for his courage and valor, and upon relief from active duty held the rank of Staff Sergeant. He joined in marriage with his wife, Peggy J. Lyke on September 25, 1948 at Olivet Church in Utica, NY. The couple had been Cedarville residents since 1957. Francis worked for 29 years with the United States Post Office in Utica, retiring as a RPO Clerk. He is a life member of the Ilion/Frankfort VFW Post #502, the North Utica American Legion, and the 34th Bomber Group. He took pride in being part-founder of his Woodward Family Reunion, now gathering annually for over 47 years. He enjoyed spending his leisure time playing golf, pool, and shuffleboard, but his ?passion? in life was being surrounded by his children, as he believed ?our future lies in our children? He is survived by his wife Peggy; two sons: Richard Woodward, Sr. and fianc? Wanda of Cedarville; and Kenneth Woodward and wife Sue of Sahuarita, Arizona; two daughters: Carolyn Panko and husband Timothy of Newport, NY and Cynthia Webb and husband Richard of Slovakia; nine grandchildren: Elizabeth Byrd of North Carolina, Rick Woodward, Jr., Brad Woodward, Dianna Woodward: Brandon Webb of Seattle, Candace Webb of Indianapolis, Cole Woodward & Tanner Woodward of Arizona, and Lori Conarro of Salt Lake City; 11 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren; a brother: Albert Woodward and wife Margaret of Maine; a brother-in-law; Joseph Aiello, Sr. of Utica; a sister-in-law; Jacqueline ?Jackie? Gilligan and husband Ron of Glens Falls; as well as many nieces, nephews & cousins. He was pre-deceased by four sisters: Edith Pickens of Albany, Helen Lee and Marguerite Aiello of Utica, and Elizabeth Rockwell of California, and two brothers Earl & Harold of Utica. A memorial service to celebrate Francis? life will take place at the Cedarville Cemetery with full military honors being accorded on July 29, 2006 at 3:00 pm, followed by a reception at the VFW Post #502 in Ilion/Frankfort at 6:00 pm. In honor of Mr. Woodward?s wishes cremation will precede the burial. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to: The Woodward Reunion Children?s College Fund c/o The Woodward Family 141 Johnson Road, Ilion, NY 13357.