Kenneth L. Woodcox

January 23, 1934    ~    September 3, 2026

Kenneth L. Woodcox, known to family and friends as Ken, was born on January 23, 1934, in South Bend, Indiana, and passed away on September 3, 2026, at the home of his daughter, surrounded by his loving family in Plymouth, Indiana.

Ken lived a long and faithful life marked by devotion to God, steadfast love for his family, and a generous spirit that touched many lives. He was the son of Paul and Edna (Kimble) Woodcox, who preceded him in death, and he grew up with the values of hard work, integrity, and service that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School and later attended Anderson College, building a strong foundation for the life and work that followed.

On June 22, 1952, in South Bend, Ken married the love of his life, Mary Esther Mitschelen. Their marriage was blessed with 62 years together until her passing on June 28, 2014. Ken cherished Mary deeply and carried the memory of their life together with him always. Their home was filled with faith, laughter, and the kind of steady love that created a lasting legacy for their children and grandchildren.

Ken was also preceded in death by his daughter, Diane Rittenhouse, in 2012, his son, David Woodcox, in 2017, his brother, Dale Woodcox, in 2018, and his sister, Norma Feller, in 2025. He is survived by his daughters, Becky Royer and her husband Dan of Sanford, Florida, Debra Chizum and her husband Larry of Plymouth, Indiana, and Kathy Wolf of White House, Tennessee; his son, Randy Woodcox and his wife Carla of Mishawaka, Indiana; and his daughter-in-law, Barb Woodcox of Mishawaka. He also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him great joy. In addition, he is survived by his sisters, Luella Chizum and Verda Mitschelen, both of South Bend, and his sister-in-law, Janice Hastings of South Bend.

Ken spent his working years serving others through skill, dedication, and honesty. He worked alongside his father in Woodcox Construction Co., where they built dozens of homes and businesses in the area. He also worked for Sears & Roebuck as a salesman, at WFRN Radio Station, and with Ideal Construction as a general contractor building houses. Whether he was constructing buildings, helping customers, or managing projects, Ken approached his work with care and pride. He was respected for his strong work ethic and his ability to get the job done well.

Faith was at the center of Ken's life. He accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age and remained faithful to Him throughout his years. God gifted Ken with a beautiful tenor voice, and he shared that gift by singing in revivals throughout the area for many years. He also led music at the church his parents founded, South Side Church of God in South Bend, where his voice and spirit encouraged countless worship services. For more than 10 years, he faithfully graded prison Bible studies for Gospel Echos in Goshen, Indiana, demonstrating his deep compassion and commitment to ministry.

After his retirement, Ken continued to serve in meaningful ways. He volunteered and worked at Family Christian Development Center in Nappanee, Indiana, where he started the food pantry and continued serving the community for more than 20 years. His life of service never slowed, and his willingness to help others remained one of his defining qualities. More than anything, Ken loved his family and treasured every moment with them. "Family is Everything" was his favorite saying, and he lived those words every day.

Services for Ken Woodcox will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 So. Michigan St., South Bend. Rev. Dan Royer and Rev. Andy Royer will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Friday at Palmer's. Contributions in memory of Mr. Woodcox may be offered Family Christian Development Center, 107 E. Marion St., Nappanee, IN 46550.

9/05/2026 djb