Woodrow Vance Putman

Woodrow Vance Putman, 68, of Pampa, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018 at his home.

Woodrow was born August 3, 1949 to Paul and Margie Don Putman in Albuquerque, NM. He was a 1968 graduate of Palo Duro High School.

Woodrow Putman was the drummer for the Texas southern rock band, Baby, from 1970-1977 based in Amarillo Texas. Band members, and lifelong friends include, Johnny Lee Schell, John Mark Camp and Stephen G. Crane.

Woodrow’s true passion was for music, but he was also a successful avant-garde entrepreneur for many years. He owned several BBQ restaurants in Southern California. Customers drove miles to try, as Woodrow put it, “steak so tender you don’t need no teeth, just put ‘em in a glass and leave ‘em by the sink!” Woodrow’s charismatic, warm, and big personality brought customers back time and time again.

After the restaurant business, Woodrow dove into the world of antiquing. He didn’t seem to acquire any customers and Woodrow became bored; he went out back where some old wood was piled up and he nailed it together, burned some horseshoes on it, and stuck it out front of the store. When he did finally get a customer, Woodrow got a $100 offer on that raggedy table and he took it! Bunkhouse Furniture Company came alive; his tables were endorsed by Gene Autry’s Estate and sold in Roy Roger’s Museum Gift Shop. That very first table he built became famous, from the hit TV show, “3rd Rock From the Sun”, it was the set coffee table for all 6 seasons. Woodrow went on building, selling, and furnishing homes of the elite for 10+ years. (By the way, he failed shop class in high school).

Woodrow became bored, again, so he partnered up with a very dear friend of his and began importing bronze statues from Thailand. He fell in love with the country and culture, Buddhism enlightened him in such a way that he studied the religion and even participated in a retreat to learn how to become a Monk. This Monk business can’t be confirmed because if you knew Woodrow, it’s difficult to picture him with a shaved head and eyebrows, an orange robe, and strict rules to follow such as no laughing or speaking loudly!

Woodrow ran his bronze statue company, for many years traveling back and forth from Palm Springs, California and Bangkok Thailand before moving to Crested Butte, CO to be closer to his daughter, Jennifer. After a short stay in the mountains, (a leather jacket wasn’t working out in -30 degree temperatures), Woodrow packed up and moved to Pampa, where he had been for the last 9 years taking care of his mother.

Woodrow was a true anomaly, had a full life, and he had fun doing it. Woodrow always said, “I’m a legend in my own mind.” You’re a legend in ours too, Woodie!

“If I don’t see you in the future, I’ll see you in the pasture!”

There will be a celebration of life for Woodie in the near future to take place in Amarillo Texas. An announcement will be made via Facebook. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home.

A special thanks to his co-producer and sound man, Alan Jenkins, and sound man, Bobby Bird.

Survivors include, his daughter, Jennifer Hampton and husband Travis of North Richland Hills; his mother, Margie Don Putman of Pampa; a sister, Laura Don Ensley and husband Dennis of Oregon; an aunt, Jan Trimble of Pampa; a cousin, Dreamia Klein and husband Roger of Pampa; 4 nephews, Vance and Matthew Ensley and Hawk and Ronnie Tucker of Pampa; a niece, Tylee Tucker of Pampa; special friend and confidant, Sherman “HOD” and Winai.