Harold E. Woodruff

May 16, 2021

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Harold E. Woodruff passed away peacefully at home with family on Sunday, May 16, 2021. He was 88 years old. Harold was born April 6, 1933, in Cambria, IN, to parents Edna (Bible) and William Woodruff. He married Virginia White on November 17, 1972.

Harold graduated from Rossville High School in 1951, then enlisted in the US Navy, serving during the Korean War. After honorable discharge, Harold joined the Frankfort Police Department, where he served two terms as Chief of Police (1968-1971, & 1976-1979) before retiring after 20 years of service. During his tenure with Frankfort Police, Harold was a 1971 graduate from the 88th Session the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINA), where he holds the unique distinction of being the last FBINA graduate to receive their diploma from famed FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

After retirement, Harold started his own business in Richmond, IN, manufacturing corrugated plastic items. In 1991, Harold was elected Mayor of Frankfort, where he won every voting precinct in the city. Harold served the citizens of Frankfort as Mayor for two terms from 1992-1999, when he retired from public office. Upon retirement, Harold remained active in the community, advising Frankfort Mayor’s even into 2021, and serving on the Board of Directors of the Retired Indiana Public Employees Association (RIPEA) from 2000-2021.

In addition to his public service, Harold was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Lafayette, IN, serving several years as Head Usher, and more recently attended the Frankfort First Church of the Nazarene in Frankfort.  He was also a member of the Frankfort Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #69, the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Frankfort, and the American Legion.

Visitation and Services

Friends may visit 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2021 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main Street, Frankfort. Funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Entombment with Military Honors will be in the Clinton County Mausoleum in Green Lawn Memorial Park, Frankfort. Pastor Gordon Smith will officiate. Memorial donations may be made at the Frankfort First Church of the Nazarene, 2056 E. Wabash St, Frankfort, or by calling the church at (765)-654-6387. The family ask that those attending the visitation and service to please wear a mask.

Survived by:

Harold is survived by wife Virginia, of Frankfort, daughter Debra (John) Marxer of Michigan, sons Gary of Indianapolis, and Kirk of Frankfort, along with brother Cleo (Betty) of Florida, 2 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clint, Kenneth, Fred, and sisters Wilma, Glenda, Sally.

Memorial Video

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Condolences

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60 Condolences for “Harold E. Woodruff”

  1. Lori Snyder May 17, 2021 at 4:29 pm

    Please accept my sympathies for the loss of your loved one Harold. He was such a nice man and always so kind to me. He will be missed.

    Reply
  2. Mike Daggett May 17, 2021 at 5:58 pm

    Thank you for your service! May God continue to Bless and watch over your family.

    Reply
  3. Jenny Smith May 17, 2021 at 9:28 pm

    Gary, Virginia and Kirk, I am saddened to hear of Harold’s passing. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  4. Jamie Hardesty May 17, 2021 at 9:30 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Harold was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

    Reply
  5. Shan Sheridan May 17, 2021 at 10:58 pm

    I got to know Mayor Woodruff in the early 90’s working with Youth for Christ. Brother Harold, as I called him, always had an encouraging word and would always donate money to our cause. Anytime he would see me he would say go get those kids you are working with some pizza and tell them about the Lord and then hand me $100.00. We had several pizza parties over the years sponsored by brother Harold. Although he was raised in the county and went to school in Rossville he loved Frankfort and everything about Clinton County. It was never a competition for him. He wanted good for all and worked toward unity and cooperation in every endeavor. Mayor Harold Woodruff is one of the good guys and we will miss his smile, kindness and encouraging words! Thank you brother Harold for your witness of Jesus and thank you Mayor Woodruff for your great leadership, wisdom and courage! You are loved!

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 18, 2021 at 9:49 am

      Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories, Shan. We may never know the impact he made on so many.

      Reply
  6. Michael Pruitt May 17, 2021 at 11:14 pm

    Sorry for your loss Gary. Sending prayers to your family.

    Reply
  7. Congressman Dan Burton May 18, 2021 at 3:13 am

    Harold Woodruff was one of the finest Men I have ever met. He was just Good in the truest sense of the word. He was respected, liked and loved by everyone who knew him. If we ever needed Men like Harold, we need them now.
    He will be truly missed. My deepest sympathy to his wonderful Wife Virginia, and all of his family.

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 18, 2021 at 9:54 am

      Thank you, Congressman Burton. He knew he always had a good friend in you.

      Reply
  8. Val Taylor May 18, 2021 at 7:57 am

    So sorry for your loss, Harold was a good man. I remember him much from his years of service at First Assembly of God.

    Reply
  9. Ken Estes May 18, 2021 at 8:34 am

    Virginia, Prayers for you and your family. Harold- Thumbs up when we meet again!

    Reply
  10. Jack Scheid May 18, 2021 at 9:19 am

    RIP my Friend. You served the Lord & your Community with Honor. A good man. Peace

    Reply
  11. Linda Large May 18, 2021 at 10:06 am

    Virginia you and Harold have been missed at church. Prayers for you and the family in the coming days. Loved your husband. Got to know him when I was a secretary to Mayor Roy Scott. Always a kind word when he was around.

    Reply
  12. Patrick Davis May 18, 2021 at 10:59 am

    Please accept my sympathies. Harold will be missed.

    Reply
  13. Bill Murphy May 18, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    I had the pleasure of meeting Harold when he was elected to the RIPEA Board of Directors in 2000. Harold was an outstanding Board member for 21 years who provided wise counsel and always insisted we keep the best interest of our members as the top priority. As good as he was with his advice and counsel, and he was very good, it pales in comparison to the man he was. Harold was admired and respected by his fellow board members and the staff of RIPEA. He will be missed but never forgotten. RIP Harold

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 19, 2021 at 5:33 am

      Thank you, Bill. He sure enjoyed serving on the RIPEA Board!

      Reply
  14. Eric Payton May 18, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Uncle Harold will be greatly missed by many. He was someone I always looked up to for all that he accomplished. I enjoyed my visits with him and he always seemed to have a new story I hadn’t heard yet. That’s what happens when one lives a life of great experience. He proudly served our country and our community. I will be forever
    grateful for having been his nephew.

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 19, 2021 at 1:13 pm

      They you for sharing, Eric. He always enjoyed those visits as well.

      Reply
  15. Erilda & Ron Coleman May 18, 2021 at 6:04 pm

    Dearest Virginia & Family,
    Our hearts were saddened to hear of Harold’s passing. He gave so much to the life of the community of Frankfort & it’s growth.
    He was a Godly man who served with integrity and cared very much for serving others. Enjoyed my time on the city council while serving with Harold when he was mayor.
    I know you will miss him dearly but oh such wonderful and loving memories you have shared over the many years will always be close in your heart.
    Harold was highly regarded & respected by so many of us. He always had a smile & his hand was outstretched to shake yours.
    Sending our prayers of comfort and strength for the days ahead. May God wrap His loving arms around you and your family and give you peace. God Bless – Ron & Erilda

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 19, 2021 at 1:15 pm

      So true, Ron & Erilda. Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts.

      Reply
  16. Pete and Pam Randolph May 18, 2021 at 6:55 pm

    A kind and generous man in many ways. Always had kind words for others. Our condolences to the family. So many will miss him.

    Reply
  17. Shandel Wallsmith May 18, 2021 at 7:40 pm

    Gray,
    Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a great man and will be missed by many. Praying for you and your family.
    Shandel

    Reply
  18. Claire O’Reilly May 18, 2021 at 9:07 pm

    Dearest Deb,
    We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Father.
    Please know we are keeping him our constant prayers.
    Many Divine Chaplets are being said in his honor dearest.

    All our love your friends,
    David and Claire

    Reply
  19. Dick & Nina Langston May 18, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    We are so saddened for your loss as we enjoyed our Sunday mornings together. Harold was a great friend.
    Our prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  20. Vikki Watkins May 19, 2021 at 8:44 am

    I would not be where I am today if it were not for Harold. He will always have a special place in my heart. Life can get so busy and it can keep us away from our dear friends. I am sorry I did not keep in touch like I should have. I met Harold at First Assembly and from there he hired me to work for the City of Frankfort, that job led me to where I am today. Harold was an amazing man full of life. Words can not express my full gratitude for this man. Rest in peace my friend.

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 19, 2021 at 1:20 pm

      Thank you for sharing your sentiments, Vikki. We may never know the positive impact he made on so many.

      Reply
  21. Greg Miller May 19, 2021 at 9:00 am

    My heart felt sympathy to you all in Harold’s passing. A super guy and a great friend with a word of encouragement or advice wherever you may see him. Always a great conversation whether on the street, along the sidewalk or sitting in the lawn chair, many a story shared. I’ll miss the man I always looked up to; honest, true and caring. Professional in every sense. A good and faithful servant, he will be missed by so many.

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 19, 2021 at 1:22 pm

      Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts, Greg. Well said.

      Reply
  22. Maureen Chadwick, Orlando, FL May 19, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Dear Virginia, Gary & Kirk,
    Harold was such a kind and gentle man. I also know he was a good husband and father.
    My thoughts are with you all and I share your sadness, he was the best!

    Reply
  23. Brian Howard May 20, 2021 at 12:33 am

    Mr. Woodruff used to pull me out of First Assembly’s nursery and carry me around or let me tumble about in a circle of the ushers while they waited for their next task. As I got older we’d exchange updates at the doors to the sanctuary. He was such a kind-hearted man that genuinely cared about others, many others. I’m sorry for this great loss to his family. Take comfort in that he has left a lasting positive impact on so many, and I’m sure especially the family! God bless.

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 20, 2021 at 10:57 pm

      Thank you, Brian, for sharing your recollections. And you are so right, he had tremendous impact on so many, especially his family.

      Reply
  24. Phil Ramsey May 20, 2021 at 10:04 am

    In June of 1976 Harold was appointed by the County Commissioners to the EMS Council, which was tasked with designing and establishing an ambulance service for the City and County starting in April 1977. We had nothing in place at the time for the entire County except FFD and Rossville were doing stopgap services to fill an an obvious need. Soon after starting our meetings we discovered we had an overwhelming task. We had 80 meetings in 6 months, every Tuesday and Thursday with research done in between. Harold never missed a one. What a public servant he was. I know his family missed his presence during those times. May God bless and comfort family and friends. Rest assured the quality of our Public Services we enjoy today is due in no small part to the sacrifices made for the good of all by people like Harold. Rest easy my friend.

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 20, 2021 at 11:02 pm

      Thank you for sharing these memories, PR. This is certainly exemplary of his commitment to the community.

      Reply
  25. Roger Parent, former Mayor of South Bend May 20, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    I got to know Harold as a RIPEA board member. He was a most effective and dedicated board member. I loved his sense of humor and commitment to those most in need. I will miss him.

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 20, 2021 at 10:59 pm

      Mayor, thank you for sharing your thoughts here. There is a special bond between those who have held positions of tremendous responsibility. He sure enjoyed serving on the RIPEA Board.

      Reply
  26. Rick A. Carter May 20, 2021 at 10:11 pm

    It may have been Ol’ Benjamin Franklin who was accredited with the quote “If a man has five true friends upon the time of his demise, he dies a truly wealthy man.” Harold Woodruff was one of my “five true friends”, a hero, a mentor, a role model and an inspiration. I hope he considered me one of his five true friends because I certainly thought the same of him. Rest In Peace, Chief, Mayor, Friend, Hero, Mentor, Role Model…etc. etc. I am a different man because of your presence in my life.

    Reply
    • Gary Woodruff May 22, 2021 at 4:41 pm

      He loved you like a third son, Rick. Thank you for being there for him.

      Reply
  27. Andrea Shriver May 21, 2021 at 11:31 am

    Will miss Harold & pray for Virginia & the family through their grieving time. Once and a while we would see him at Hoops. He always commented about Todd, my son. Rest in peace.

    Reply
  28. Don-Debbie Baker May 21, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    Dear Virginia and family, please accept our sincere condolences. He will be missed. Prayers for comfort and peace.

    Reply
  29. Drayton Travis May 21, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    Our deepest condolences. We pray God’s peace and blessings comfort you in the days, weeks and months ahead!

    Reply
  30. Sandy & Jim Schnebly May 26, 2021 at 10:35 am

    Our sincere condolences to Virginia, Gary and Kirk plus all family and friends. Jim & I knew Harold from First Assembly of God Church in Lafayette, IN. He was the head usher for many years. Virginia played the organ and were anchors in the church. When Jim & I got married at First Assembly of God Harold was the head usher and Virginia play the music for our wedding. After Jim & I got married in 1991, Harold asked Jim to be an usher which he served for a number of years. We grew close to Harold and Virginia and as Jim being an usher we were more involved in church socials. After an event we often joined Harold & Virginia for lunch or just refreshments. Harold and Virginia are people of integrity, and could be counted on to do what ever they committed to do. They are loving, kind, always lending a helping hand. Harold had a good sense of humor. He never met a stranger,
    Harold’s funeral service was the most decorated service to honor his service in the Navy, his career as a police officer, and service to community as mayor. His casket had the navy seal placed in the lid of the casket plus on both ends in front and a large navy seal on both sides of the hearse. Gary Woodruff delivered an amazing tribute to his dad and we learned about Harold’s service to country, community and friends. That was very enlightening to many. The police department honoring Harold with a police escort around “Old Stoney” and down to the Green Lawn Memorial Park at Frankfort Cemetery. The Fire Department honoring Harold with the fire trucks displaying the American flag over the street before arriving at the cemetery. At each intersection along the way were police cars blocking the intersections and each policeman was saluting Harold as the hearse passed by. The firemen also saluting Harold as the hearse passed by. The funeral procession made its way through the cemetery and around the mausoleum to stop in front. When arriving at the cemetery mausoleum, 2 navy officers were standing at attention. The police officers carried the casket at all times. Above us in the air was a drone taking pictures and had taken pictures of the funeral procession from the fire trucks and flag handing over the street.. Inside the mausoleum the 2 navy officers folded the flag and handed the flag to Virginia. A 21 gun salute for performed in honor of Harold’s service to his country, America!! Later I saw a video of the funeral procession coming toward the cemetery and making its way in the cemetery and around the mausoleum to stop in front. This was a service to honor the greatest of man. Harold would be proud!! Jim & I shall miss Harold in so many ways. Sending our Love and Condolences to Virginia, Gary & Kirk!! Thank you to all the police officers and firemen for a job well done.

    Reply

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