Peter "Pete" A. Woods

Oakwood – Peter “Pete” A. Woods, 75, of Oakwood, passed away at 9:51 AM on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at his home. He was born in Danville on November 13, 1950, to Richard and Beverly (Ellis) Woods. He married the love of his life, April D. Albert, on March 9, 1973, she survives.

Also surviving are his four children, Michele Woods, Dixie (Jason) Enos, Rick Woods, and Misty (Eric) Phillips, all of Oakwood; six grandchildren, Zac Woods, Savannah Woods, Gracie Enos, Macen Phillips, Walker Enos, and Avery Phillips; and his sister, Linda Blazaitis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jan Million; his brother‑in‑law, Steve Blazaitis; and his beloved dog, Annie, who brought him endless joy and companionship.

Pete attended Oakwood High School before proudly serving in the United States Army. After his service, he worked as a motorman electrician until retirement. Known as a true jack of all trades, the saying “If Pete—Papaw—can’t fix it, no one can” held true his entire life.

Pete loved the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, or tinkering in his garage. Coffee with his buddies was one of his lifetime rituals, whether they gathered at the truck stops or in a friend’s workshop or kitchen, he never turned down a hot cup of coffee and good conversation. When he was able you could find him cruising around town on his Harley‑Davidson, loving the feel of the open air and driving by to check on loved ones. In his younger years, he played baseball and later cherished coaching his daughters in softball, which eventually led to sharing the field with all his children in slow‑pitch softball.

Family was everything to Pete. His grandchildren were the absolute joy of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. “Papaw” was deeply involved in their lives and rarely missed their sporting events. For years, he was the first to wish his children and later his grandchildren Happy Birthday. He made birthday signs and secretly placed them in their yards or on their cars before dawn so they would wake up to them. He also made it a priority to hand deliver treats to his grandchildren every weekend, a tradition lovingly named “Slushee Sunday.” He will be remembered as a man who took care of everyone.

The family would like to thank the Comet Power of Pink and Carle Oncology.

A service to celebrate Pete’s life will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Sunset’s Oakwood Chapel, 105 E. South Main St., Oakwood, IL 61858. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM prior to the service, also at Sunset in Oakwood.

Please join Pete’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.