Jack Daryl Woodley, age 87, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away on April 5, 2026, at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa, surrounded by his family.
He was born on April 4, 1939, in Eldora, Iowa, the son of Glenn and Wilma (Kiefer) Woodley.
Jack served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1958, where he learned the sheet metal trade that would become his life’s work. From 1969 to 1983, he owned and operated Woodley Sheet Metal. During his long career as a union sheet metal worker, he worked for various sheet metal shops and often traveled for jobs, taking him to places such as Aruba, Georgia, Las Vegas, and California. Even decades later, he could spot every run of gutter he had installed, every furnace he had changed out. Although he officially retired in 2000, he continued working for several years through his own side business, Five Star Refrigeration, where he mostly helped family and friends.
In his younger years, Jack raced motorcycles and go-karts. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with playing pool, archery, and golf. A gifted archer, he was a state champion bow shooter in 1974, earning him the nickname and CB radio handle “Robin Hood.” He also competed in pool at the national level. In more recent years, he spent much of his time playing cards—especially euchre, along with a little poker—often five or six days a week. He also enjoyed trips to the casino. He was a long time member of the Loyal Order of Moose and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Jack was a social man with a quick wit and a keen sense of humor; he never met a stranger. He loved ice cream, Gunsmoke and other western television shows, and, of course, a good hand of cards. He had a natural talent for whatever he set his mind to, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence. Above all, he was someone who always kept moving forward.
He married Nancy Lee Seyb on February 12, 1960, in Lee County, Iowa; they later divorced. He married Ruth Ann “Sue” Beaty on September 29, 1969, in Kahoka, Missouri; she preceded him in death on August 15, 1983. He later married Debbie Ann Lowry on August 5, 2001; she preceded him in death on April 26, 2022.
Jack is survived by his children: Tracie Crawford of Andalusia, IL; Robert (Augusta) Woodley of Milan, IL; and Tammy (Robert) Massey of Donnellson. He was also a proud bonus dad to Bill (Erika) Tindill and Susan (Rich) Solbrig. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Justin Massey of Ames, Iowa, and Taylor (Van) Johnson of North Liberty, Iowa; two great-grandchildren, Theo and Piper Johnson; and his siblings, Patty Knight, David Woodley, and Rodney (Vera) Woodley.
He was preceded in death by his wives Sue and Debbie; his parents; his brothers, Kenneth and Ronald; and his sister, Betty Wolfe.
A memorial has been established in his memory.
A private graveside service will be held for family. A Celebration of Life will take place at Grass Roots Market & Cafe in Donnellson on Saturday, April 11, from 3-5pm.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
