Woodrow “Woodie” Acord

Woodrow “Woodie” Acord, 89, formerly of Moline, died Thursday, January 12, 2006, in Silver Cross Nursing Center, Rock Island.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Riverside United Methodist Church, Moline, with The Reverend Janice Griffith officiating. Burial is in the Veterans’ Section of Moline Memorial Park, where the Illinois National Guard will present military honors. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Moline. Memorials may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church, Christian Friendliness Food Pantry, or Genesis Hospice.

Woodrow Wilson Acord was born November 15, 1916, in New Boston, Illinois, the son of Frank and Lenora McClung Acord and grandson of Civil War veteran Henry Clay and Mary Alice McClung. He graduated from Keithsburg High School in 1934. He married Mary Elizabeth Johnson of Monmouth on July 22, 1942, in Lawton, Oklahoma while stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

In 1936, Woodie enlisted in the Illinois National Guard. On March 5, 1941, the Guard was activated and he was assigned to Battery B, 123rd Field Artillery Battalion. During WW II, he served active duty in New Caledonia, New Zealand and Luzon, Philippine Islands. He was awarded a battlefield commission in 1945. After WWII, he continued serving in the Guard. During the Korean War, the Guard was reactivated and he spent two years with the 44th Infantry Division. In 1969, with the rank of Colonel, he retired from the Illinois National Guard as Battalion Commander in Rock Island.

He was a 59 year member of the First United Methodist Church, now Riverside United Methodist Church, where he was past chairman of the Official Board. He taught an adult Sunday school class and for many years was a church usher.

Woodie had numerous community associations. He served two terms on the Moline Boys Choir board and was past president of the Augustana Parents Club. Woodie and his wife delivered "Meals On Wheels" and volunteered at the Christian Friendliness Food Pantry for many years after his retirement. Woodie was active in the Moline Hamilton School PTA and Dad's Club; coached Dad's Club baseball for 11 years; and was the Cub Scoutmaster at the school. He was a member of Doric Lodge #319, AF & AM, Viking Club, American Legion, V.F.W., Rock Island County Historical Society, American Scandinavian Association, Republican Precinct Committeeman in Moline, and a life member of the National Order of Battlefield Commissions. He was an avid Cubs, Bears and Illini fan. He retired after 42 years as a foreman at John Deere Plow and Planter Works, Moline.

Woodie never met a stranger, possessed an engaging wit, and a gift for serving others. He was a recognized leader of men. Most importantly he held an unquestionable and unbounded love for his family, church, community and country.

Woodie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary; three sons and daughters-in-law, Woodie Jr. and Jane Acord of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Steve and Carol Acord of Champaign, Illinois; and Scott and Melanie Acord of Moline; eight grandchildren, Drew, Reid, John, Peter, Amy, and Suzie Acord, Kara Amis and her husband John, and Leah Carpenter and her husband Scott; three great-grandchildren, Andie, Bailey, and Arlo Amis; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, George Acord, and a sister, Sue Swift.