For most of his 90 years, Oklahoma City’s own Pendleton (Pen) Woods lived a life of service, joining the U.S. Army Reserve Corps during World War II. He was called to active duty in 1943, serving with the 99th Infantry Division on the Western front in France, Belgium and Germany. In December 1944, he was captured and spent more than four months in a German prisoner of war camp until he escaped in April 1945.
Pen’s time spent as a prisoner of war not only strengthened his character, but also softened his heart, laying the foundation for a legacy of tireless service and generous giving to the causes he loved. He volunteered for many veterans’ organizations, including the 45th Division Association, helping found the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City. Pen strongly believed in the power of endowment and its importance to the longevity of charitable organizations. He and his wife, Robin, faithfully contributed to countless charitable organizations over the years, helping to establish permanent funds at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation for the Epilepsy Association of Oklahoma and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, creating an endowment to assist with the upkeep of Oklahoma’s Medal of Honor grove at Valley Forge.
Pen also spent 66 of his life in the Boy Scouts of America, including 16 years as a scoutmaster. He earned his Eagle Scout award at the first national jamboree in 1945. He authored 15 historical books and well known around Oklahoma Christian University where he worked for many years.
Robin died in 2013 and Pen a year later, but their legacy of patriotism, public service and selfless generosity will long be remembered by those who knew him.
“Everywhere you look around this town, you may not know it, but you see Pen Woods,” said Mary Ann Brown, who worked with Pen at Oklahoma Christian University. “Pen’s mantra, if he had one, was let’s make it a better place.”
“The Oklahoma City Community Foundation provided Pen a place to donate to all of his charitable interests, but also with the expectation that those contributions would last beyond his lifetime,” said Oklahoma City Community Foundation president Nancy Anthony.
If you are interested in leaving a legacy, our professional staff can help create the perfect solution for your giving needs. Learn more when you contact Joe Carter at (405) 606-2914 today.