Abstracted from obituary appearing in THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH, Thursday,
August 8, 1991, by Bernie Karsko, Dispatch Staff Reporter

Omar Woodyard, 88, dies.

Omar R. Woodyard, Sr., owner Woodyard Funeral Homes, died Tuesday of a
kidney ailment.  Married first to Celia B. who died in 1874.  Mr. Wood-
yard married a second time in 1975 to Anabelle Davis.  He erved the com-
munity for 64 years and opened three funeral home chapels, at 1346 S.
High St. in 1927.  Later he opened one at 255 E. State St. and another at
2990 Bethel Rd., where he was living at the time of his death. He ssually
resided at one of the funeral homes.

Mr. Woodyard graduated for Columbus Embalming and Mortuary Science College
and completed his apprenticeship in 1927.  During the Depression he worked
a second job at the Timken Roller Bearing plant.  The second job allowed
him to keep his funeral home open.  At various times he used various pro-
motions to keep the business solvent and to gain recognition.

Survived by a son, Omar R. Jr.; a daughter, Mary Sams, Prince Frederick,
Md.; and a grandson, Dean A. Woodyard.