Otto Kent Woods, age 74, a lifelong resident of Thatcher, passed away Friday morning, June 24, 2016, at his residence, with his beloved wife, Ann, and their children at his bedside.
Kent was born November 26, 1941 in Thatcher, in the Woods family home on Main Street. He attended Thatcher Schools participating in athletics. During his senior year at Thatcher High School he was elected student body president and homecoming king with his sweetheart, Ann Phillips. Following graduation from high school, Kent enrolled at Eastern Arizona College and later married Ann Lee Phillips on August 16, 1960, at the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they made their home in Phoenix as he attended the Phoenix Technical Trade School. In 1961, Kent and Ann returned to Thatcher where he began working in refrigeration and electrical contracting business with his brother Harold “Hack” and D.B. Nelson Electric. Some years later he obtained work with Eastern Arizona College serving as the Physical Resources Director for 31 years. Kent also owned and operated the Ice King ice plant in Safford for 33 years.
Kent was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many leadership capacities including Ward Clerk, Bishop’s Counselor and Bishop for two wards, Stake President of the Thatcher Stake, Stake High Council, and most recently as the Second Counselor in the Gila Valley Temple Presidency. He was also active with the Boy Scouts assisting in cutting and selling Christmas trees for 15 years and was instrumental in the construction of two dormitories at Faithful Pines L.D.S. Girls Camp in Alpine. Kent appreciated the associations with many friends throughout the years, especially with the “Dirty Dozen” basketball team. Kent was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He also was giving of his love and time to neighbors through his never ending service.
Kent is survived by: his wife of 56 years, Ann Lee Phillips; his son, Harold Kent Woods (Cassie), of Tempe; two daughters, Vicki Ann Overstreet (Scott), of Mesa, and Barbara Matthews (Kris), of Thatcher; his brother, Marlo Glen Woods (Linda), of Thatcher; twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Kent was predeceased by: his mother, Irene Layton; and his father, Bailey Ray Woods; three brothers, Bailey Ray Woods, Jr., Varin B. Woods and Harold J. Woods; and a grandson, Dakota Kris Matthews.