Woodrow Wilson DeBack

DEBACK, Woodrow (Woody) Kalamazoo Passed away on Tuesday, March 6, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of 93 and a half. He was born on August 27th, 1918 , in Galesburg ,Michigan. His parents were, John and Rachel(Wilson) DeBack. Woodie grew up in the Washington Square neighborhood of Kalamazoo. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1936, and later attended Western Michigan University. He proudly served in the United States Army, from 1942 through 1945. He was part of The 668th Topographical Engineers, making maps for the United States Military in Europe. Especially important were the maps of the D Day Invasion of the Beaches of Normandy. After his discharge from the Army, he worked at The Michigan Colorplate, as a photo engraver. He became part owner of the business in the mid sixties, until his retirement in 1981. During his retirement, Woodie enjoyed many hours of leisure at his cottage and traveling to Florida and Las Vegas. On November 2,1946, Woodie married Veronica Paynich, in Paw Paw, Michigan. They were married for 62 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Veronica, his parents, his brother Lawrence DeBack and his two sisters, Donna(Wilmont) Millem and Eva(Orville)Ketchum. Woodie is survived by his three children. Mary(Michael) Sweet of Naperville, Il, Barbara DeBack of Kalamazoo and David(Michele) DeBack of Plainwell. Also surviving are his four grandchildren. Alex DeBack, Kari(Tim) Connelly, Jennifer(Brett) Wiltshire and Jessica Sweet. Also, his six great grandchildren, Ian, Colin, and Abby Connelly and Aidan, Addison and Avery Wiltshire, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and many dear friends, all of whom have many wonderful memories with Woodie. A private internment at Fort Custer Cemetary, at a later date. The family would also like to give a very special thanks to Gloria's Place and Southern Care Hospice for their kind and loving care of Woodie. Memorial gifts can be made to Loaves and Fishes of Kalamazoo, 901 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Friends may leave a message and pictures for the family at www.avinkcremation.com. Arrangements by Avink Funeral Home Cremation Society Schoolcraft