Bradley A. Woodard

Bradley A. "Brad" Woodard, age 56, passed away October 22nd, 2024. He was born August 29, 1968 to parents Drury and Wanda Woodard (nee Kepler).  Brad was a former police officer for the City of Norton, Ohio. He had the 2nd highest score ever recorded on the Ohio Police Exam (100%), and was an excellent marksman. Many departments didn’t want to hire him because his height was under 6’, but he went on to break new ground. One of his former lieutenants stated that “Brad was the shortest man that I ever looked up to”. He became Norton’s first D.A.R.E. Officer, enjoying the time that he spent caring for and teaching the children of Norton Elementary School.

In 1994, he married his wife Heather whom he’d been dating for 4 years. She knew he was special from the night she met him. Their first date was to coffee and was actually a practical joke on her. December of that year, Brad had undergone surgery for a deviated septum, where he didn’t get enough oxygen, and sustained a traumatic brain injury. He was given a 20% chance of being anything other than vegetative. His family took the chance knowing that Brad was a fighter and would work hard to get to where he could in his life. His wife Heather by is side, took care of him for 30 years. He always tried to be the best father he could be to Theo their child.

Brad always had a happy demeanor, which drew many to him. His joking and loving personality had always shown through, and many were touched by it. He had something to teach everyone, whether it to be kind to others, finding ways to laugh, remembering your self worth, and enjoying the moment for what it is and not worry if you would remember that moment later in time.

Many thanks to everyone who helped the family out in their time of need, your kindness and generosity have never been forgotten.

Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife, Heather; their child, Theo; and his mother-in-law Dianne Oldenburg (Bart) who was like a "mom" to him. Private burial at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family desires peace in this time and asks you to respect their privacy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Public Schools Art Program at Norton City Schools Treasurer’s Office, 4128 South Cleveland-Massillon Rd. Norton Ohio, 44203. You may also donate a teddy bear to the Norton Police or Fire Departments.

Services in care of the Billow Falls Memorial Chapel, 1907 23rd St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.