Veteran remembered as 'wonderful, dynamic'

When Charles Woodford died Thursday at his home, the local veteran's community lost a man described by friends as "a tiger."

Woodford, who served in both the Navy and the Air Force, was a proud member of both the VFW and American Legion chapters in Cape Girardeau.

Woodford served two terms as commander of American Legion Post 63. He was an avid recruiter for the Legion.

Woodford was onboard the USS Missouri when Japan surrendered to the United States Aug. 14, 1945, said Ken Ethridge, a VFW member.

"He loved to tell that story," Ethridge said.

Woodford's friends fondly remembered Woodford's role in getting the Missouri mule recognized as the state animal.

Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan signed the bill establishing the mule as the state animal May 31, 1995, after intense lobbying from Woodford and others. It was used to haul equipment in both world wars.

Close friend Jerry Stauber said it took Woodford two years of work to get the mule recognized.

Stauber said persistence was Woodford's most outstanding trait.

"He realized SEMO wasn't offering American history and decided to do something about it," Stauber said. "He lobbied both fraternal and civilian organizations until they started teaching it again."

Stauber said Woodford will be sorely missed.

"He was as wonderful, dynamic individual," Stauber said.

pwylie@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127