Norman R. Woodgeard, Sr.

On January 3, 2026, Norman Woodgeard, Sr. of Bainbridge, Ohio unexpectedly passed away at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Over the course of his 69 years, he had many great qualities often embodying kindness, humor, and a good nature but it is also true that he was a complicated man who struggled to overcome personal demons. A major passion of his was evident in how he actively tried to shape his life to emulate components of an ‘Old West’ lifestyle by riding horses, visiting replica ‘Old West’ towns, wearing cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, hunting for Native American artifacts, and quoting his favorite Clint Eastwood movies as often as possible, especially from ‘’The Outlaw Josie Wales’’. Additionally, he created a wide expanse of experiences and pursued a vast array of interests. During countless fall seasons, he could be found spending time in the woods hunting deer with his three sons. He was also a devoted (and therefore often exasperated) Cincinnati Bengals fan starting the first year they formed a team and lasting through his dying day. Supporting the Cincinnati Bengals is a ‘crazy affliction’ that continues to live on through all of his children. However, nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by his five children, twelve grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

He was born in the state of California on October 7, 1956 to the late Janie E. Woodgeard (Anders) and the late Norman W. Woodgeard. As a toddler, his family moved to Ohio where his grandfather, father and uncles started a prosperous automotive wrecking yard business first near Logan, Ohio and then in Wilmington, Ohio. It was through his family’s business that he learned to work on cars and specialize in rebuilding transmissions. Prior to entering the workforce as an adult, he earned his high school diploma from Wilmington High School. For most of his working career he repaired cars as a master mechanic at local auto repair shops including Jim Cooke Auto and Bush Auto Place but also held jobs as needed in factories like Randall Co., driving a semi-truck, and resupplying Cincinnati area Kroger stores with Coca-Cola products, just to name a few. 

He had a static yet tumultuous relationship with his Lord and Savior but his faith always took precedence even during the most trying times. During his final hours with his pastor by his side, he made a final choice to accept the embrace of the Almighty on the other side leaving him no doubt that he is now with the loved ones he held so dear who passed on before him. Is it possible that he is finally at peace? His surviving family and friends individually believe the answer is yes…”I reckon so.”

He is preceded in death by his mother, Janie Anders Woodgeard, father, Norman W. Woodgeard, step-mother Beulah F. Woodgeard, and his brother, Daniel Woodgeard. 

He is survived by his children: Norman R. (Stefanie) Woodgeard, Jr., Shannon ‘Niki’ (Richard Earley) Coblentz, Tara (Mike Givens) Neiter, Jacob Smith and John (Beth) Smith. Also left to cherish his memory are grandchildren: Makenzie McNeal, Brooklynn Woodgeard, Colt Fuller, Jack Kessler, Wyatt Coblentz, Hudson Coblentz, Lyla Neiter, Eli Neiter, Gospel Grace Givens, Kincade Givens, Kaydance Givens, and Killian Givens; great-grandchildren: Brynlee McNeal, Adalynn McNeal, Oaklynn McNeal and Riverlee White; along with siblings: Kathy (Larry) Latimer, Joe Woodgeard, Hazel Woodgeard and Crystal Woodgeard. 

Memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Wilmington Church of God.  

A visitation will be held at the Wilmington Church of God on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 4 until 5pm, when a funeral service will begin. A graveside service will take place at 10:30am on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Green Summit Cemetery in Adelphi, Ohio. Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina, has been entrusted with arrangements.