1934-2026
Clayton Forrest “Woody” Amidon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Otterbein Assisted Living with his family by his side. Woody was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on December 20, 1934, to Foster and Elmarietta “Rita” (Washburn) Amidon. Woody graduated from Erie Academy High School in 1952, Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee, in 1956, and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, in 1959.
At Maryville College, Woody met Katie Marston of Clearwater, Florida. They married on June 21, 1957. After seminary, they served Presbyterian churches in East Mansfield, Ohio, and Jamestown, Ohio, before moving to Bellefontaine, Ohio. Here, Woody served as the Christian education director of the Bellefontaine United Presbyterian Church, and as the pastor of the West Liberty Presbyterian Church. While working with children and young people, he realized that he would like to teach full-time. He secured a teaching job with Indian Lake schools where he taught in the Huntsville building for 30 years, retiring in 1998. He attended the Lima branch of OSU to obtain required education hours, and he received his Master of Education degree from Wright State University.
Katie and Woody have three children: Charlton (Roxanne) Amidon of Delaware, Ohio, Mark (Molly) Amidon of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Jenni (John) Mann of Beavercreek, Ohio. They have seven grandchildren: Colin Amidon, Dale Lewis (Krystal) Snyder, Emily (Nate) Alexander, Reagan Mann, Ryann Mann, Matthew Rentenberg, Lauren (Taylor) Clevenger. Their great-grandchildren include Caeden Ferill Amidon, C.J. Bryson, and Ellie Snyder, Ryan and Evan Alexander, Chase Kartak, Corbin and Grayson Coventry, Cruze, Olivia, and Brynlee Clevenger. Additional family includes sister-in-law Lesta Mami and nieces Suzy Marvin, Jan Turner, and Jill Houseal.
Woody was a member, performer, and director with the Logan County players, Bellefontaine Encore summer theater, and Windmill Productions. He was a charter member of the Logan County Landmark Preservation Board and an early supporter of the “Save the Holland Theatre” project. He was also a board member and workshop leader for the Logan County Art League. In addition to the art workshops held by the Logan County Art League, Woody took classes at the Springfield Museum of Art, the Columbus Cultural Arts Center, and the Kanuga Water Media Workshops at Henderson, North Carolina. After retiring, he became a member of the Logan County Friendly Senior Center, where he started and led a Bible study, writing workshop, and volunteered at bingo and meals.
Memorial donations can be made to the First United Presbyterian Church of Bellefontaine, Ohio, or the Logan County Friendly Senior Center. A memorial service will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church of Bellefontaine, Ohio, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM, with service and a meal to follow.
