Jan Barrett Woodman, had illustrious career
Mr. Jan Barrett Woodman, 83, of Alexandria, Va., and Lewes passed away Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, at home, surrounded by his family. He was born April 7, 1935, in Kansas City, Mo., adopted son of the late Margaret Barrett and the late Col. Ned Hall Woodman. Jan traveled Europe as a child since his father was an Army officer, set up the Nuremberg Trials, and worked for NATO during 1945-48 and 1955-57.
After attending the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., Jan graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1958, and never let anyone forget it. His love and respect for his father led him to serve in the military, and impacted his positive attitude about life. Jan served in the Army from 1960-63, stationed in Hawaii and Laos, where he was aide-de-camp to Gen. A.J. Boyle. He finished his time in the service with the 13th Artillery 28th Division.
Jan started his career as a structural engineer and project manager in an architectural firm in Richmond, Va. He spent a great part of his professional life working in civil engineering and real estate development. While living in Northern Virginia, until his retirement Jan worked for several construction companies, including Eugene Simpson & Brothers, SMC. He married Jean Androus Woodman from Alexandria. He counted her late father Arthur Thomas “Tommy” Androus as a role model and mentor.
Jan loved gardening, spending time with his 11 grandchildren and great-grandchild, talking to his Brother Rats and Hill School friends, and helping those who were struggling or down on their luck; to have Jan in your corner was to have a lifelong friend and advocate. Jan was an active AA member. Jan and Jean had second houses in Lewes, where they enjoyed having Jean’s dad, Tommy Androus, and mother Margaret Woodman often as guests.
Jan moved back to Alexandria to spend his last days with his family, Jean and their girls.
In addition to his parents, Jan was preceded in death by his sister Melinda Jill Woodman Vlahos. He is survived by his daughters: Deborah Woodman Carrico, Courtnay Woodman Weitekamp (Jim), Jessica Godwin (Terry), Eve Anne Woodman and Alexandra Woodman Johnson (Geoffrey).
Friends and family are welcome to attend a celebration of life Saturday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m., at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.
Memorial contributions in Jan's name may be made to VMI Foundation, PO Box 932, Lexington VA 24450.
Please visit Jan's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
