Leland Willard “Ding” Woods, age 102
December 12, 1916 – August 03, 2019
Leland Willard “Ding” Woods, age 102, of Newton, Illinois, passed away 1:05 PM -Saturday,
August 3, 2019, the Newton Care Center in Newton, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM – Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois. Burial will be in the
Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois, with full military rites by the
Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held 9:00-10:30 AM – Tuesday,
August 6, 2019, at the church. In loving memory of Leland, memorials may be made to
the Jasper County Cancer Fund PO Box 333 Newton, Illinois 62448. Arrangements are
under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be
viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Leland Willard, better known as “Ding” was born on December 12, 1916, in Smallwood
Township, Jasper County, Illinois, the son of Omer and Clella (Brown) Woods. He
married Dorothy Sheridan on August 13, 1945, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic
Church in Ste. Marie, Illinois.
Leland served his country in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II.
Leland was a farmer and owned and operated Woods Stables a harness racing,
breeding and training stable.
Leland was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and the Knight of
Columbus #1704, both in Newton, Illinois. He enjoyed quail hunting, and watching
sports especially the St. Louis Cardinals.
Leland is survived by:
Children – James “Jag” (wife Geir Lou) Woods, Jerry (wife Donna) Woods
and Ilene Woods (Ron Biernbaum) all of Newton, Illinois
11 Grandchildren
24 Great Grandchildren
Leland was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter Diane Butler, sister Clora
Cathcart and two brothers Roy and Neil “Tackle” Woods.
