Howard Wood of Kissimmee, Florida, passed from this life to eternity with Jesus Christ on December 5, 2021. He joins his wife, Judy, who he lost to leukemia in 2009, and his parents Charles and Eva Wood. Surviving are his sister Karen Edith (Wood) Schofield and her husband Robert of Findlay, Ohio, and their family.
The Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell was the site of his memorial service and burial on December 15, 2021.
A New Year’s Baby, Howard was born January 1, 1939, in Alva, Oklahoma, to Charles H Wood and Eva Lucille (Ames) Wood. He was a unique and different child, brilliant in some areas and clueless in others, including relationships. At that time, Asperger’s Syndrome was unheard of, so he endured considerable bullying because he was “different.” Electronics was his area of brilliance.
He graduated from Alva High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps including a tour of duty in Korea during the occupation. Upon his return from the military, he attended Oklahoma State University and received a two-year degree in electrical technology. He then went to Wichita Technical Institute for another year of further training.
After graduation Howard returned to Alva working in several places where his special talents were required. He serviced and repaired the local Airport Beacon and equipment, was engineer for KALV Radio and maintained the local Cablevision tower. He also ran his own repair business on the side.
On December 26, 1981, Howard married Judy Ann Thompson in Jackson, Mississippi. They lived in Alva until her parents needed care, and then they moved to Raleigh, Mississippi. While living there he worked for Peavey Electronics and had his own repair business. He lost Judy to leukemia on April 29, 2009.
Those who really knew Howard saw a man who tried to live out his faith in Jesus Christ. He ignored the flaws and saw the best in every person, giving them the benefit of his trust and acceptance. He simply refused to be offended, even by those who took advantage of him. His belief in God and others changed lives. In spite of his limitations, his life was an example of patience, gentleness and mercy.