Gail Lee Woods

Gail Lee Woods, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025. A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Gail lived a life marked by kindness, integrity, faithfulness, and a great sense of humor that could brighten anyone’s day.

Born on September 22, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Ishmael and Nellie Woods, Gail grew up with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the simple joys of life. He graduated from  East High School in 1960. On August 3, 1962. Gail married the love of his life, Donna Elliott, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.  Together, they built a beautiful life full of laughter and love. Gail was a proud father to Vonna, James, and Ronda, and an even prouder grandfather and great-grandfather.

Gail was drafted into the Army in 1966 and served the country during the Vietnam War. He served as a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service for 25 years. He was passionate about his faith and lived a life rooted in serving the Lord. A longtime lay minister at the Hamburg Free Methodist Church, he faithfully shared God’s word with humility, conviction, and love. His ministry touched many lives, not just from the pulpit but through everyday acts of kindness and encouragement. Gail was known for his love of dogs, hunting, fishing, and baseball, specifically Yankee Baseball. His wit, warm smile, and rich storytelling were gifts that left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him. 

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Vonna and Mark Watson, James and Brandi Woods, and Ronda and David Means. His grandchildren, Jacob, Abigail, Samantha, Skyla, Hayle, KC, Jessi, Jared, Brittny, Bessi, Toni, Kyndra, and Heather, and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Sharon Hemstead and Lorretta (Milo) Ware and brother-in-law Ronnie (Judy) Elliott.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ishmeal and Nellie, his wife, Donna, his sisters Nellie, Mae, Nadine, infant sister Laura, his brother Jim; and his grandson Lee. 

Memorials can be directed to the Hamburg Food Pantry. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Rash-Gude Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 9, at 10:30 AM, also at Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg, Iowa. All who knew and loved Gail are invited to join in celebrating his life.

Gail will always be remembered for the love he gave and the lives he touched.

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