John Joseph Woodworth, Jr.
February 10, 1935 – April 13, 2026
John Joseph Woodworth, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully at his home on April 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Independence, Missouri, John grew up in the Kansas City area. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Finlay School of Engineering in Kansas City, a foundation that would lead to a distinguished career.
A veteran of the United States Army, John served his country while stationed in San Diego, California. It was during his early years that he married Dorothy Ilene Harriman, with whom he shared three children. Later in life, John found a partner in Adele Hauger; the two spent the last 37 years building a beautiful life together.
John was a man of tireless work ethic and remarkable intellect. He dedicated 51 years to Thiokol–affectionately known as the “Rocket Factory”–as an Aerospace Engineer. A pioneer in his field, John was instrumental in designing the solid propellant recipe used for the NASA Space Shuttle Program’s boosters. He took immense pride in meticulously documenting the ballistic and mechanical properties data essential to every shuttle mission, leaving a permanent mark on the history of space exploration.
Outside of work, John’s energy was legendary. A lifelong athlete, he began playing basketball in high school and continued until the age of 89. He cherished his “Tuesday and Thursday” group of friends, where the goal was simply to “run around and get tired.” At home, John was a master gardener. He and Adele designed an award-winning landscape that earned “Yard of the Year” honors. Among his more than 100 rose bushes, his vibrant red roses were his greatest pride.
John is survived by his wife, Adele Hauger Woodworth; his sister, Patricia (Donald) Kanable; and his children: John (Kimberly) Woodworth, Michael (Shelley) Woodworth, Laurie (Edmund) Locastro, Valerie (Joe) Purnell, Kelly (Scott) Erwin, Kim (Chris) Greene, Lisa (Gary) Veum, Suzy Hill, Daniel (Laura) Martinez, Joseph (Anne) Martinez, and Louie (Julie) Martinez. His legacy lives on through 30 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Florence Woodworth, and his daughter, Theresa Lynn Martinez-Tingey.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Brigham City Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Services are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared with the family at gilliesmortuary.com.