Craig Woodard

Craig Bruce Woodard, 55, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.

Craig was born January 24, 1969 to Donald Woodard and Shirley Dempsey in Fontana, California. At a young age of four, he and his father and brother moved to Arkansas where he was raised by his Aunt Joyce and Uncle Charles along with their kids. At the age of 17 he enlisted into the National Guard. He did his basic training at Fort Benning, GA. Craig served for three years, and then spent a number of years traveling around the United States until moving to Atlantic to be near his brother. On the day he arrived in Atlantic, he met and soon married Jodi Silence on April 11, 1995. Together they had two sons, Caleb and Brandon.

Atlantic became Craig’s home for the remainder of his life. He worked as a contractor, roofer, trucker, and numerous other positions throughout Atlantic to provide for his family. He was employed at Pelgas, Meyer Industries, American Concrete, Woodard Construction, Skyjack, Duke Ariel and simply never stopped working. Craig worked hard and played hard. His favorite past times were watching the Dallas Cowboys, Game of Thrones, Shameless, listening to Z92, or just having a beer with a friend. He loved hunting for deer and pheasant, but his main passion was fishing. If the moon was full, “Catfish are biting”. Craig also enjoyed trying new foods and shooting pool with his buddies at the bar. He enjoyed camping and sitting next to a fire. 

Craig was a strong willed, fun loving, down to earth man who enjoyed a good time. He could often be heard saying “Be good, or be good at it”. Craig was good at life, and was most proud of raising his sons, Caleb and Brandon.

Craig is survived by his wife, Jodi Woodard of Atlantic; sons, Caleb Woodard, Brandon Woodard, Cody Walls; sister, Nancy (Todd) Keckley; brother, Mark Woodard; mother-in-law, Leanne Silence; sisters-in-law, Sheri (Mark) LaJeuness, Angela (Jim) Behrens; brothers-in-law, John (Lisa) Silence, Chad Silence; sisters, Shanell Weatherford, Tami (David) Belcher, and several grandchildren, niece's and nephew's.

Craig is preceded in death by his parents Donald Woodard and Shirley Dempsey, Charles and Joyce Weatherford; sister-in-law, Teri Silence; sister, Lydia Nash; brother, Ricky and his wife Mary Weatherford. 

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 19th at Roland Funeral Service in Atlantic. A private family burial will be the following day. 

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Craig’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.