"Lola and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember and appreciate your kindness to me when Ronnie passed. We will be in prayer for you in the coming difficult days. Larry and Brenda (Wood) Keeling"
In loving memory of
Duane M. Wood
July 1, 1930 - February 9, 2018
Exemplary hard work and great mechanical ability are just two ways to describe Duane Wood. He was born on July 1, 1930 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Ballard and Cecil (Bowser) Wood. Duane and his siblings, raised during the depression experienced their share of hard times and sometimes went without.
In 1944, when Duane was in eighth grade, he and his family moved from Fort Wayne to Big Lake, a move he always felt as a very positive change in his environment. He also gave a huge credit to his older brother Dale, who helped him choose the right path in life.
Duane attended Wolf Lake High School and was voted President of the Senior Class, graduating in 1949. Following that, he attended 2 years of college. Duane proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He considered his military service a great experience that instilled lifelong discipline. Hard work and being a do it yourselfer were great illustrative examples of that.
In fact, Duane often used military terminology on his children, such as "At Ease". The kids weren't sure what it meant, but by the tone of their dad's voice, but assumed they should stop and pay attention!
Duane was blessed to meet his 1st wife Sharon at the Columbia City Roller Rink while he was home on furlough. He was then blessed a 2nd time to meet his 2nd wife Lola, who he and his kids have loved dearly. On May 7, 1994, he married Lola L. Shultz-Meyer at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. Duane worked at ITT Fort Wayne, starting as a tool and die maker for 19 years, owned Pence Dry Cleaning for 7 years and Woods House of Interiors, Columbia City for 5 years. He retired from Columbia City Post Office with 16 years of service. Duane was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, having served as Past Building Committee and Parish Council member as well, Past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge, American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of Columbus, and Holy Name Society at church. He also enjoyed woodworking and building furniture for his family and generously sharing his abilities with the church. Duane will always be well thought of and dearly remembered by those who knew him.
Duane M. Wood, age 87, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 5:35 pm on Friday February 9, 2018 at The Hearth at Sycamore Village, Fort Wayne.
Survivors include his wife, Lola L. Wood of Columbia City; children, Bethann (John) Buchanan of Fort Wayne, Steve (Renee) Wood of Covington, LA; Gregory Wood of Duluth, GA; Richard (Andrew) Wood of Miami, FL, Jerry (Sue) Wood of Columbia City, John (Ria) Wood of Noblesville, Becky (Matt) Beery of Columbia City, Rick (Jan) Meyer of Carmel, Jason (Kerrie) Meyer of Georgetown, IN; 20 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dale and Ronald Wood, sister Virginia Hatfield, first wife Sharon Wood, and step-grandson Trent Michael Mowery.
Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with the Rosary recited at 1:40 pm and Elks Service at 7:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church 315 South Line Street, with calling one hour prior. Burial in St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Duane may be made to Masses, St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, or Riley Children's Hospital. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence.
Tributes
"Lola and family, I was deeply sadden to hear of Duane's passing. I am sure you know he is in a better place where there is no sorrow, no pain and no regrets. I hope you allow God to wrap his heavenly arms around each of you to show you the way to peace in your hearts and guide you to cherished memories of the best of times."
"Lola, you and all of your family and extended family are in my thoughts and prayers.. I pray that God will grant Duane eternal rest and that he will wrap his caring loving arms around you and all who loved Duane.. I have known Duane for nearly 60 years. I was a baby sitter for his children for several years starting when Beth Ann and Steve were both very young and the family lived on North Line Street. After they moved to the house on North Main, I continued baby sitting for their family throughout high school. and watched his children grown up. Hugs and Love to all of you , Kathleen "
"Lola, Please accept my sympathy on the loss of Duane. May the Lord keep his arms tightly around you and the rest of the family. I will be praying for you.Rose Ann"
"OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE WOOD FAMILY ROSE AND JANET HURD"
"See You in Paradise!"
"See You in Paradise!"
"Steve sorry for your loss Donna and I will keep your family in our prayers."
"Thinking of your family & sending lots of love. Todd, Heather & Hannah Reid"
"Lola ,Jenny and I were sad to hear about Duane, very nice guy ! Thinking of you ! Dee Trier"
"Sorry to hear about uncle Duane. Will be praying for family."
"My thoughts and prayers are extended to the family off Duane Wood."
"My thoughts and prayers are extended to the family off Duane Wood."
"So very sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ryan and Stacy Barnett"
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "