Donald Woodward

Donald Sewell Woodward, 88, died suddenly on Monday, May 4, 2026, doing what he loved, restoring a rare antique chair, at his home in Fools Hollow, Show Low, AZ. He was born on October 4, 1937, in Safford, AZ, to John Woodward and Arvilla Welker Woodward.

Donald wore many hats over the course of his long and adventurous life following in the footsteps of his seafaring Woodward grandfather and his mother's pioneering Welker family. Donald enlisted in the US Air Force after high school 1958-1961, and served in the Military Police, rapidly advancing to the elite Blue Honor Guard, at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico where he was routinely selected to guard high profile visitors such as then President Dwight D. Eisenhower and James (Jimmy) Stewart WWII Air Force fighter pilot and actor.

Donald is known throughout the Show Low and Pinetop - Lakeside area for his long career of superior antique furniture restoration and picking. In his later years he became a local celebrity while pursuing his passion for UFO hunting and could often be found at Aunt Nancy's Family Restaurant at the round table where he wrote his first book "My Truth, Stranger than Fiction" on paper placemats. His pursuit of UFOs brought him into the orbit of Travis Walton, with whom he spent time sharing UFO stores.

Don was a trailblazer and a stargazer who charted his own course. He was both a humble man and at the same time larger than life, one of a kind. He will be sorely missed. Donald is flying with the angels and the aliens now, and his second book, UFOs, Angels, and Bigfoot will be published in the near future.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents John and Arvilla, and his two sons Donald Wayne Woodward and David Joseph Woodward.

Donald is survived by his brother Lloyd Woodward, his daughter Stephannie Webb Parker and her children; his grandson Damien Woodward and his children; and numerous friends in the UFO, Angel, Bigfoot, and Antique communities.

There will be a Graveside Service with Military Honors, at Show Low Cemetery, Saturday June 6, 2026, 11am.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity. And raise a cup of coffee at Aunt Nancys.