Thomas Allan Woodward, MD

Col. Thomas A. Woodward, MD, U.S. Army (Ret.) - Born in St. Cloud, Minnesota on May 20, 1948; joined his Lord and Higher Power June 25, 2012 in Abilene, Texas. Tom was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary Courtois DeBacker and William Sartell Woodward of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Tom is survived by his children, the pulse of his life: Michael Wilson, Taylor Adrienne, and Maxwell William Woodward, of Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and by his brothers: Norman, David and Steven Woodward, of Big Watab, Minnesota. Tom leaves a long list of family and friends throughout the nation and around the world. Col. Thomas. A. Woodward, United States Army, loved his country and was honored to serve. After an enlisted term as a medic, Tom studied to receive his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1976. He reentered the Army as a Medical Doctor of Internal Medicine in 1979, to further study and serve patients and soldiers in Pulmonary Disease, Aerospace Medicine, Hyperbaric Medicine, and Flight Surgery. Tom received a Master's Degree in Occupational Health at Johns Hopkins University in 1985. His career spanned decades as well as continents, and included duties as the Division Surgeon for the State of Texas Army National Guard, and service in Desert Storm. "Doctor Tom," "Doctor Woodward," or just "Doc," also served his Abilene, Texas community for the past twelve years. He was revered for his unconditional love and professional care to all. There were no boundaries to his reach in order to help others. "Tom," "Friend," or "Brother," to his family and friends, would thank his good friend Bill W. daily for enriching his life, practicing progress not perfection. He practiced at life and golf among other things, savoring each day. He enjoyed a cup of coffee and a smoke with friends, soulful drives, Big Watab with his brothers and family, his kitty cat "General Tzo," and his children's time. His children are now and always Tom's pride and joy. Please join Tom's children and community for sharing at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas on Friday June 29, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 PM. A memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday June 30, 2012 at 1:00 PM. After the service, please join family and friends at Tom's home. Tom's remains will be laid to rest with his parents at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Donations to Wounded Warriors in lieu of flowers would be graciously appreciated.