John Wood, 86, of Springfield, MO passed away on April 19, 2012 at home after a four year battle with cancer. He was born in St. Louis, MO on November 24th, 1925. He graduated from Stockton High School in IL in 1944, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Following his military service, he earned a degree in Geology from the University of Illinois. He worked for the U.S. Geological Survey for 32 years.
He married his college sweetheart in 1950, and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage. He enjoyed family, traveling, and reading. John was a member of National Heights Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Lois Wood; a son, Jeff Wood and wife Pam; a daughter, Tami Presley and Fiancé Larry; a sister, Alice Jane Walker; and four grandchildren, Rachel and Michelle Wood, and Shawn and Jenifer Loebach. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John; a son – in – law, Dale Presley; and a brother – in – law Bill Poorbaugh.
Funeral services will be Tuesday April 24, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with Dr. Vaughn Weatherford and Reverend Jim Jeffries officiating. Burial will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m., Monday, April 23, 2012 in the funeral home.
The Wood family would like to thank the Oxford Hospice staff for their dedication and support.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Oxford Hospice.