Elwood Charles Malugani

Elwood Charles "Woody" Malugani, 79, passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 19, 2026, in Frisco, Texas, where he was joyfully reunited in heaven with his family and friends.

Born to Marion and Alvin Malugani on January 26, 1947, in Richmond, California, as the ninth of ten children, Woody possessed a profound sense of service and generosity that defined his life. From a young age, he developed a strong work ethic and an understanding of sacrifice. His love for his mother, father, and siblings ran deep; though they lacked possessions, they had an abundance of love.

In 1967, Woody joined the Air Force during the height of the Vietnam Conflict, where he served two years in combat operations, first within logistics and then as a pararescue jumper rescuing downed pilots and Airmen. In the jungles of Vietnam, he promised to serve Christ the rest of his life if he was afforded the opportunity to return home. He met every moment those days presented with courage, grit, and relentless faith.

After his military service, Woody returned to Jefferson, Ohio, where he built a life serving his community and raised his daughters, Amy and Malissa, with a fierce, unconditional love. In the early 1990s, he moved to Dallas, Texas, where he met his wife, Wanda Edwards Webb, and her son, Bryan Webb, and spent the next 35 years building a lifetime of memories together. His family was always his greatest joy and life's purpose.

Woody's life was filled with love, laughter, and an extraordinary heart for serving others. He lived one day at a time, with gratitude, optimism, and an infectious smile, and his presence filled every room he entered. Eager to work each morning, he found joy in creating and building alongside others. Often seeking out those pushed aside or overlooked, he lived Christ's teachings by making others feel seen and appreciated. In his final days, even amid excruciating pain and suffering, he thanked every nurse who cared for him and still found ways to make those around him laugh. He leaned into the hard, the suffering, and the unknown with grace, perseverance, and unwavering trust in Christ's promises.

Woody is survived by his wife, Wanda Edwards Malugani; his daughters, Malissa Malugani (Jeff Smith) and Amy Malugani Punzel (Carl); his son, Bryan Webb (Miranda); his sisters, Tia Orsi and Pearl Fender (Gary); his brother, Al Malugani (Bonnie); and his grandchildren, Jeremy Smith and Jake Malugani; Sierra, Addison, Carter, Makena, and Preston Punzel; and Logan and Kayden Webb. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Alvin Malugani; his brothers, Tom, Harry, Bert, Loyd, and Mike; and his sister, Sue.

A celebration of Woody's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 11, 2026, at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.

Woody will be laid to rest with military honors at the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation in his memory are asked to consider The Tunnels to Towers Foundation at: https://t2t.org/, which supports Gold Star and fallen first responder families.