Obituary
Donald (Don) Neil Wood was born February 18, 1932 in Clayton, Missouri to Neil Elgin Wood and Myra Narsissa Gall Wood. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Wood and four exceptional children: Mark (Cindy) Wood, Jill (Chuck) Ruhlman, Ann (Jeff) Wood Perkins and Patrick Wood. He was blessed with six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
He was a U.S. Marine and served as an air traffic controller during the Korean war. Don graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a BS in Business Administration. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Don and Martha married on September 8, 1956 and began their family in Columbia before moving to Kirkwood, and later settling in West St. Louis County, Missouri.
Don and his wife Martha were active in the St.Louis AFS Chapter. Their family hosted and mentored students from around the world as well as counseling host families. Don was a life long member of the Presbyterian church and a devout Christian. He was a great talker and maintained a large circle of life-long friends. Don moved his family to Nevada in 1979 to pursue his dream of owning a hardware store. He was a gifted salesperson and soon became a hub of the community. Don and his wife Martha moved to John Knox Village in 2010 and were active in marketing, promoting and volunteering.
A celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, September 14 at 2:00 pm. At the First Presbyterian Church of Lee’s Summit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Knox Foundation for the benefit of the JKV Community Theater or to the First Presbyterian Church of Lee’s Summit.
Martha and Family:
I’m so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. I remember how touched I was by his love for you. He came to our house for dinner one night in the early 90’s when you were in the hospital after your heart attack, and he was so concerned and in sync with you. I remember thinking how wonderful to be loved like that. My heart is with you. Janet Reed
Tom and I were so sorry to learn of Don’s passing. Our sympathies to Martha and the rest of his family. What a sad coincidence that we had visited JKV just two days prior to his passing. We will remember his friendly and outgoing nature and how he laughed frequently and made those around him do the same.
Dear Martha and family,
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. What a friendly, nice, man, and the two of you were such an asset in the Nevada community. Always happy to see you both, even in our office at Dr. Bill Turner’s.
Sincerely,
Marie
Martha,
I just learned of Don’s passing. I always enjoyed our talks about all sorts of things while I was cutting his hair. He was such an interesting man. You both definitely enjoyed traveling and entertaining (such as dinner club) together. May you be surrounded by loving memories always!
Much Love to you Martha!
Jenny Berry