Woody Charles Wood

Woody Charles Wood a longtime resident of Cleveland, Oklahoma, was born on December 20, 1924 in Wichita, Kansas. He was the son of Casler L. and Elta (Napier) Wood. As a young man Woody grew up in Wichita, Kansas. He attended grade school at Emerson Elementary. He later completed his education at Wichita North High School. Woody joined the United States Coast Guard in January 24, 1943. During his time in the U.S. Coast Guard, Woody served as a gunnerís mate and quartermaster as well as a striker and swimmer. He was stationed in St. Augustine, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was honorably discharged on April 19, 1946. Woody soon returned to Wichita, Kansas and enrolled in college at the University of Wichita. He completed his Bachelors degree in History with a minor in Political Science and started his studies in the masters program. Woody later moved to California where he obtained his real estate license. He sold homes and commercial real estate for several years and in 1967 moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma. Upon moving Woody purchased the Merchant Hotel and provided housing for workers during the oil boom. Woody joined the United States Army National Guard in 1978. He was a part of the 45th Brigade Thunderbird in Hominy, Oklahoma. He retired in April of 1985 and was responsible for recruiting and retention officer. Following his retirement Woody was promoted to Captain. On August 13, 2001, Woody was united in marriage to Carlene Sue Walker. Woody enjoyed going to garage and estate sales. He and Carlene would travel to various places looking for antiques and collectibles to refinish and sale. Woody enjoyed taking time to restore distressed furniture back to its original appearance. He also was a history buff and enjoyed reading. Woody passed from this life on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at his home in Cleveland, Oklahoma at the age of age 86 years three months and fourteen days. Survivors are his wife Carlene of the home, five children Kimberly Walker, Danny Walker, Angie Steelman, Abe Duckworth, April Duckworth, one grandson Garrett Steelman and a host of other relatives and friends that will mourn his passing. Woody was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held 10:00 am, Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home