Joseph Michael Wood

Joseph Michael Wood, 75, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025. Born on August 18, 1949, in Springfield, Missouri, to Adeline Bodey Wood and Joseph Barkley Wood, Mike lived a life filled with dedication, love, and service to his family, friends, and community.

Mike married his beloved wife, Olive, on July 1, 1969, and they shared 55 years of love and commitment. He is survived by his wife, Olive, three sons: Jeffrey Michael Wood (wife Prada Zhang) of Tampa, Florida; Jarin Mathew Wood (wife Cathie) of Ashland, Missouri; and Gregory Shannon Wood (wife Tina) of Jefferson City, Missouri. He was a proud grandfather to Drew Wood, Rori Wood Peters, Olivia and Alex Wood, Sam, Sadie and Chloe Giles, and a great-grandfather to William (Liam) Peters, III, and Charlotte Peters. Mike was further blessed with two sisters, Sharon Quinn and Peggy Smith, both of Springfield, Missouri, as well as two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Yvonne Unger, and Ron and Judy Wood of Vanzant, Missouri, along with many other loving relatives and friends.

Mike grew up in Springfield, Missouri, where he began his career in the trucking parts sales industry. He worked with Keltner Enterprises in Springfield, moving on to serve as Parts Manager for the White and Freightliner Dealership in Columbia, Missouri. His expertise and passion for his work led him to achieve Top Gun awards with Kenworth, where he spearheaded one of the first pilot programs for a Kenworth rolling parts store in the 1980s. This full-service semi-trailer was equipped with a generator, hardwood floors, computers, phones, and a complete inventory of parts, allowing Mike to serve his customers wherever they were. Throughout his career, Mike worked with various companies, including Peterbilt, Volvo, and Mack, always going above and beyond to find the parts his customers needed, regardless of fleet size. His customers came first, and he was known for his unwavering commitment to serving them, whether in the office, at events, or in any setting.

A devout member of the Church of Christ, Mike served two terms on the Hallsville School Board and was an active member of the Hallsville Lion’s Club. He took great pride in seeing his three sons graduate high school, proudly proclaiming that he gave them their diplomas, while also receiving countless hugs from graduates during graduation. Mike also enjoyed his time as a certified Kansas City BBQ judge, frequently participating in local BBQ competitions.

Above all, Mike’s greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He found immense joy in supporting them in their careers and sports, always cheering them on with love and encouragement. Mike and his mother shared a passion for convertibles and luxury cars, a love that was passed down through the generations.

Mike’s legacy is one of hard work, integrity, and an unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. before services at the funeral home. Services are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home East.