Robert Frank Woodburn
Marriages
Shirley Woodburn
Obituaries
The Daily Sentinel page 8C - October 9, 2022
Robert Frank Woodburn,
a longtime resident of
Palisade passed away at
home surrounded by his
loved ones on October 5 th
at the age of 89.
He is survived by his
wife, Shirley; daughter, Terri and husband Eddie;
son, Frank and wife Djuana. He’s also survived by his
grandchildren; Ashlee, Mikayla, Austin, Taylor, Ryan,
Keenan, and Sierra and great grandchildren; Penelope,
Copeland, Hayes, Maci, Wrenly, Ryder, and sisters;
Rita, Annie and sister-in-law Helen.
Frank or Coach Woodburn, as he was known, was born
in Sharon Springs, Kansas, graduated from Hotchkiss
High School and got his Master’s in Education from
Western State College.
Frank started teaching at Palisade High School in
1955 then was drafted into the Army in 1956, serving
in Germany until 1958. After this, he came back to
Palisade High School and went on to spend the next 36
years, not only teaching, but coaching multiple sports
including baseball,football and wrestling. He also,
became the Palisade Athletic Director and Assistant
principal.
Frank was selected as the Outstanding Educator of
the Year by the Palisade American Legion in 1986,
Colorado Athletic Director of the Year in 1989 and a
nominee for the 1990 National Athletic Director of the
Year. Frank was instrumental in advancing women’s
sports in the school district and state and has a local
track meet named in his honor.
Senator Tillman Bishop stated at the retirement
of Frank, “It would be difficult, if not impossible to
measure the impact Coach Woodburn has had on the
lives of hundreds of students, parents and colleagues
he has come in contact with”. Frank’s philosophy as an
educator was quite simple, he worked long, tough hours,
was loyal to his school and community and valued and
loved the students and athletes he encountered.
The family will host a Celebration of Frank’s Life at
the Palisade Community Center on October 23rd from
3 to 4:30. The family requests any donations to go to
HopeWest Hospice or Palisade High School.
Arrangements by Palisade Funneral Home.
