For most of his 90 years, Pendleton Woods lived a life of service. A native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Pen graduated from Fort Smith High School before joining the U.S. Army Reserve Corps during World War II. He was called to active duty in 1943, serving with the 99th Infantry Division on the Western front in France, Belgium and Germany. In December 1944, he was captured and spent more than four months in a German prisoner of war camp until he escaped in April 1945.
After returning home from the war, Pen graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor's degree in journalism. In 1948, he married his wife, Robin, and the couple moved to Oklahoma City where he worked for Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. as editor of the company magazine, "The Meter," until 1969.
A lifelong writer, Pen was the author of 15 historical books and he volunteered his expertise by serving as editor of several nonprofit newsletters. He was involved in the Boy Scouts of America from a young age and earned his Eagle Scout award at the first national jamboree in 1937. He would remain involved in the organization for the remainder of his life.
Pen and Robin were quiet philanthropists who were generous both with their time and their giving. He continued to volunteer for many veterans' organizations, including the 45th Division Association, helping found the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City. Pen strongly believed in the power of endowment and its importance to the longevity of charitable organizations. He and Robin faithfully contributed to countless charitable organizations over the years, helping to establish permanent funds at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation for the Epilepsy Association of Oklahoma and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, creating an endowment to assist with the upkeep of Oklahoma's Medal of Honor grove at Valley Forge.
Robin died in 2013 and Pen a year later, but their legacy of patriotism, public service and selfless generosity will long be remembered.