Robert “Bob” Watson Wood, age 98, peacefully passed away on June 28, 2024, at his longtime home in Marshfield, Missouri. Bob, as was more commonly known, was born to Watson and Ruth (Tracy) Wood on April 11, 1926, in rural Greene County near Fair Grove. He was raised in Fair Grove and graduated from Fair Grove High School in 1943. Bob was united in marriage to Mary Louise Bass on December 30, 1952, in Fair Grove. The couple shared 57 wonderful years of marriage before Mary’s untimely passing on December 27, 2009. Bob and Mary were blessed with three loving children: Wayne, Charlotte, and Nancy.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Bob was drafted into the United States Army and began his active duty service on July 12, 1944, at the Jefferson Barracks Army Post in St. Louis. Bob was assigned to the 124^th Cavalry, which joined forces with the 475^th Infantry, to fortify America’s offensive against the Japanese in central Burma. During his time in the Army, Bob earned the rank of sergeant, was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Ribbon, and qualified as a Rifle Marksman. Bob was honorably discharged on June 10, 1946, at the Separation Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. After his discharge, Bob returned to Fair Grove where he resumed life as a dairy farmer.

Bob loved his life as a devoted family man and farmer. For more than 60 years, his family-owned farm provided fresh milk to regional dairy processors across the Ozarks. When not working on the farm, Bob liked to hunt, fish, go to casinos, and watch the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed the comforts of nature and wide open spaces. Bob will be remembered as a hardworking man who was honest, trustworthy, down-to-earth, and extremely loyal to his family and friends. He was a man of great integrity, honor, and generosity. He will be deeply missed as a loving father, grandfather, big brother, friend, and neighbor.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Wood; parents, Watson and Ruth Wood; brother, Donald Wood; sister, Patsy Rowland; sister, Paula Madden; and sister, Bonnie Rose. He is survived by his son, Wayne Wood and wife, Lisa; daughter, Charlotte Wood; daughter, Nancy Davis and husband, Larry; sister, Maude Anne Gintz; sister, Mary Zane Ray; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Bob’s family will host a visitation on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. A graveside service, including full military honors, will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 10:00 am, at Bass Chapel Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the compassionate direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.