Woodrow "Woody" Depontier

Woodrow “Woody” J. DePontier, age 99 of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away peacefully with his family near at CRMC.

Woodrow was born on August 2, 1921 to William and Delia DePontier in Iola, Kansas.  At a young age his family moved to Wichita, Kansas.  Woodrow soon gained a nickname of Woody that followed him through life.  Woody’s elementary education started in Wichita and he graduated from Wichita North High in 1939.  Woody played a lot of baseball during his youth and moved to Coffeyville after graduation to play Semi-Pro Baseball.  Woody hit a home run the day he met a lovely lady, by the name of Alice Zillifro. She became his number one fan for a lifetime. On December 25th of 1941 Alice’s favorite day of the year the two were wed in marriage.  They shared 55 years together until her death in 1996.

In August 1942 Woody enlisted in the US Marines without the knowledge of his bride, at that time he needed her signature of approval before he could be inducted.  What a day that must have been.  Together they started the journey to San Diego, California for basic training.  Woody was soon transferred to South Pacific and Alice returned home to Coffeyville.  Woody received his honorable discharge on October 15, 1945 just after his daughter was born.  Woody returned to Coffeyville to join his family.  Woody found employment with The National Refining Company, also known as CO-OP; now owned by Coffeyville Resources LLC.  After 38 years of employment Woody retired in 1983.  He then worked as the curator for the Brown Mansion and Dalton Museum for 20 years.

Woody will be severely missed by his children, Pamela and her husband Lynn Neuhofel, Woodrow Kevin DePontier and his wife Doreen, Janice and her husband Lendell Mecom; five grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  In addition to his parents and wife, Alice he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy.

A Private Family gathering to celebrate the life of the man they knew as, Dad and Grandpa will be held on Monday, December 7, 2020 at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas.  Due to COVID mask are required and social distancing will be encouraged.  Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com