Stanley Earl Woodson, 85 of Fayette, Iowa passed away peacefully, Monday, July 6, 2026 at his home. Stanley was born March 4, 1941 to Alfred “Pat” and Melvina Salina (Ruroden) Woodson in West Union, Iowa. He graduated from North High School in West Union with the Class of 1959. Stanley attended Barber College in Waterloo, Iowa after high school and began his barber apprenticeship with Gay Bierbower in Fayette. Then, in August of 1963, he proudly enlisted and served as a Mineman 2nd Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy until 1967.
On April 26, 1971, Stanley was united in marriage with Susan Robb in Papillion, Nebraska. From 1967 to 2019 Stanley owned and operated the University Barber Shop in Fayette, where he was known to many as “Stan the Man”. In high school, he was honored to play taps for local Fayette County cemeteries on Memorial Day and was also a member of the Fayette Legion for over 57 years. Stanley enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushrooming, walking around the yard and feeding his birds, mowing his lawn, going on road trips with Mom, trips to the casino, watching western movies and the History Channel, cheering for the Cubs, Upper Iowa University and University of Iowa football and basketball and the Fever, Nascar and following his children and grandchildren’s music, band and athletic events. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his loving wife, children and grandchildren.
Surviving Stanley are his wife, Susan Woodson; children, Brent (Amy) Woodson, Brooke (Mark) Ruehle and Brandi (Billy) Shrubb; grandchildren, Ethan, Jacob and Allison Woodson, Gabriel Ruehle and Baylie and Brennen Shrubb; and his siblings, Judy Schultz and Janice (Rick) Ladeburg and his nieces and nephew, Doug Schultz and Lori Schultz Okrongley, Heidi Ladeburg Conroy, Rick Ladeburg and Jason Ladeburg.
Preceding Stanley in death were his parents, Pat and Melvina Woodson; infant sister, Nancy Lynn Woodson; and grandson, Aaron Patrick Woodson.
There will be a Graveside Service with military honors held at 2:00 pm on Saturday July 11, 2026 at Grandview Cemetery in Fayette, Iowa with Pastor Julie Ahrens as the officiant.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm following the graveside at The American Legion, 148 S. Main in Fayette, Iowa 52142.
Condolences may be mailed to PO Box 6, Fayette, Iowa 52142.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with services.