Woody Lee Bearden of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma was born to Woodrow and Earline (Dopson) Bearden on September 29, 1948, in Farmerville, Louisiana and passed from this life on November 3, 2022, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 74 years.
Woody grew up in small towns in Louisiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma. He graduated from Lindsay, Oklahoma in 1968. After graduation, he attended East Central University and obtained a degree in Special Education. Later he earned a Master's in Administration from OU. Special needs children were the focus of Woody's career. Woody taught school and was Special Education Director in Pauls Valley for over 40 years. He was also involved in Special Olympics for over 40 years. He received coach of the year for the state of Oklahoma.
Woody married Johnna Mitchell on June 26, 1971. They were married 51 years. He always said his life was complete when he married Johnna. Woody and Johnna had two children, Andra and Mitchell.
Woody was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He loved his deer cabin in Southeastern Oklahoma.
Woody had a special relationship with animals. In his last years, he was comforted by his lab, Sassy and his angel dog, Pearl.
Mr. Bearden was preceded in death by:
his son: Mitchell Bearden
Parents: Woodrow and Earline Bearden
In-laws: Tommy and Johnanna Mitchell
He is survived by:
His wife: Johnna Bearden
Daughter and son: Andra and Jay Weatherford
Granddaughters: Nicole Weatherford and McKelvie Weatherford
Brother: Lamar Bearden and wife Jeanna form Lindsay, Oklahoma
Sisters-in-law: Marianna Burnett of Pauls Valley and Ginny Brown and husband Greg of Noble, OK
And special member of the family, John Short.
Many nieces and nephews.
Woody had many friends, young and old. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the Pavilion at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with Rev. Travis Muse officiating. Services are under the direction of Wooster Funeral Home. You may send a condolence to the family at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com .
The family has requested that memorial donations be made to Special Olympics of Oklahoma. Donations may be made on the website www.sook.org or a check may be mailed to Special Olympics Oklahoma at 6835 South Canton Ave, Tulsa Ok 74316.