Robert Woodman

Robert Eugene Woodman, age 94, of Alma , MI , passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 , at Masonic Pathways, Alma , MI .

Funeral Services will be held at East Washington United Brethren Church , Ashley , MI , Monday, August 16, 2021 , at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jeff Reser officiating.  Burial will take place at Chapel Garden Cemetery , Seville Township , MI on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI. Visitation will also be held Monday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.

Robert was born in Charlotte , MI on February 10, 1927 , the son of Fred R. and Letha N. (Rawson) Woodman.  He graduated from

Charlotte High School .  Robert married Mary N. Burns on April 3, 1954 , in Pompeii , Michigan . They were blessed with 66 years of marriage prior to her passing on July 13, 2020 . He was a man of many titles including: Robert, Bob, Gene, and Grandpa Woody.

Gene retired from General Motors after more than 30 years of service.  After retirement he spent time at his cottage on Duck Lake and many happy winters in Florida with his wife Mary where they would take day trips with friends.

Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and cooking.  He was an avid reader and history buff.  Gene was very meticulous by nature; this could be seen from the way he dressed to the way he kept his home.  He was often seen with a tooth pick, tic-tacs, life savers or a bowl of ice cream, "even though he didn't have a sweet tooth." Gene loved tinkering in his barn.  He was known to help family or friends in need at the drop of a hat or often anonymously.  He didn't enjoy having his photo taken, but if you shared a picture with him, you were guaranteed to have bunny ears.  He had a jovial nature with his grandchildren and always had a twinkle in his eye. Gene had many important things in life; most important was his faith, the deep love for his wife and his family. He wasn't one to share or express those sentiments until much later in life. He did all of this selflessly this was especially seen in the caring for his wife of 66 years toward the end of her life and the raising of his daughters and caring of his extended family.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII. Gene and Mary were active members of East Washington United Brethren Church where he lead a quiet and unwavering faith.  He was a lifetime Mason and a member of the Ithaca Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his daughters: Pam and Ron Sosebee of Ithaca, MI, Cindy and Doug Anderson of Gaylord, MI, sister Gwen Showers of Ithaca, MI, grandchildren: Christopher and Jenny Sosebee of Fort Wayne, IN; Ellery and Brianna Sosebee of DeWitt, MI; Shanna Konecny of Lansing, MI; Valarie and Scott Knickerbocker of St. Johns, MI; Vanessa and Jeremy Sodman of Elsie, MI; Brandon Anderson of Hawaii; and Ryan and Alli Anderson of Laingsburg, MI.  He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Reis, Sam, Brock, Ian, Nash, MyKala, Jonathon, Joe, and Averie; great-great grandchildren: Tucker, Tanner, McKenzie, Emberlynn, and Ellie, and many loving nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, father-in-law Robert W. Burns, mother-in-law Nellie Ann Burns, and brother in law Arlan Showers.

Memorials may be made to East Washington United Brethren Church , 8051 S. Crapo Road , Ashley , MI 48806 or Ithaca Masonic Lodge, 325 East Newark Street , Ithaca , MI 48847 . Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca , MI .