John Thomas Woods passed peacefully on Saturday, December 18, 2010 after a courageous struggle with cancer.

John was born March 17, 1932 in Franklin, Indiana. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1950 and entered the United States Air Force in 1952 as a navigator. In 1956, he met his wife, Dorothy, daughter of Evelyn and William McGee. John and Dorothy married on November 30, 1957.

John ("Radar Magellan") served 26 years in the USAF with tours throughout the United States, Europe, and a combat tour in Vietnam. John retired from the USAF in 1982 at the rank of Major and settled his family in the beautiful Lompoc Valley. During these busy years, John and Dorothy found time to raise five boys and see the world. Following the USAF, with a Masters in Systems Engineering, John went to work for Ford Aerospace. After several years he began to explore his entrepreneurial spirit by working with Dorothy to open a series of businesses in Lompoc, including Walnut Pier Health Club.

Although John had accomplished much in his life, he never forgot his small-town Indiana roots and values. He was a down-to-earth family man, a friend to many, and, of course, an avid golfer. Among John's favorite things were endless jokes, books, and crossword puzzles. He loved life's simple things and cherished his family and friends.

John is survived by his wife, Dorothy; and his five sons: Jeff, Kevin (wife Andrea), Chris (wife Sheryl), Jonathan, Mike (wife Brigid); twelve grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, and 2 nephews.

The memorial service will be held at the Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 22nd at 10 am. A reception will follow at the church hall. Please send any Memorial donations to the Lompoc Hospital Foundation, 515 E. Ocean Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436, or Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Pkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256.