Milburn Zerl Woodcock (“Zerl”) was born on September 16, 1933, in Calico Rock, AR to James Floyd and Zelma Delila Woodcock (Whiteaker). Zerl completed primary school in Arkansas then he, his siblings, and parents moved to Naches, WA in 1945 where he attended Naches High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 at the age of 19 where he served as a gunner’s mate on the USS Kearsarge in the Korean Conflict.

After Zerl’s active-duty military service, he returned to Washington where he completed his GED and married Jean Elizabeth Ellsworth on September 22, 1957. They then moved to Los Angeles, CA where Zerl completed Auto Technical school. Zerl and Jean returned to Yakima, WA where they raised their 3 children to adulthood and Zerl worked as an auto mechanic. They divorced in November 1987.

The following year, Zerl reconnected with a high school classmate, Kay Frawley (Kampmann). Zerl and Kay dated long-distance for several years until Zerl retired. He then moved to Edgewood, WA so they could always be together. Zerl enjoyed working in the orchard behind the house, fishing, drinking coffee, watching the Mariners & Seahawks, and spending time with family. In his later years, he also found his faith and support in Jesus Christ and gave his life to Him. Zerl and Kay were a great support to each other for 30 years and truly blended their families together.

Zerl passed peacefully into eternal life on November 17, 2022, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, all 4 of his siblings, step-son Ed Frawley, sisters-in-law Kathy Namphy & Patty Spada; step-granddaughter Angelica Frawley, and many other family member and friends. He was survived by his wife, Kay Frawley; children, Gaylen (Kari) Woodcock of Downingtown, PA, Shelby (Dan) Walker of Blue Springs, MO, Kendal (Les) Ruffcorn of Ahtanum, WA; step-children Laurie (Butch) Olson of Graham, WA, Kristi Frawley, Jerry (Bev) Frawley Jr. of Forrest Grove, OR; grandchildren, Josh (Tara) Ruffcorn, Janay (Woodcock, Cody (Heather) Ruffcorn, Aaron (Cristel) Woodcock, Megan (Alan) Torres, Alyssa Ruffcorn; step-grandchildren Paula (Jason) Clemmer, Vince (Jessica) Olson, Tony (Cassi) Olson, Jaqueline Frawley, Rebecca Frawley, Kyle Frawley, Cody Frawley; 4 great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will take place on November 29, 2022, at 11am at Orting Community Baptist Church (308 Kansas St SW, Orting, WA 98360.)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial gifts be given to the Disabled Veterans of America (DAV) in Zerl’s honor. (Give online at https://www.dav.org/ways-to-g… or write a check payable to: DAV-Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301)

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