Ira R. Wood

Ira R. "Woody" Wood, 91, of Tarentum, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2006, peacefully in his sleep at his home. He was in failing health the past two years.

Born March 8, 1914, in West Deer, a son of the late Herbert and Laura (Rittman) Wood, he lived in Tarentum the past six years. Prior to that he lived most of his life in Fawn.

Mr. Wood was a 1932 graduate of Tarentum High School. He was a coal miner, entrepreneur and a philanthropist.

He established Tour ED Mine and Museum in Fawn to preserve our coal mining heritage. Mr. Wood also owned Woodlawn Golf Course in Fawn and owned and operated a number of coal mines all his life.

A well-known area philanthropist, Mr. Wood donated to many area churches, societies and organizations throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed traveling, history, painting, wood carving, antiques and antique restoration.

He was a member of Mars Masonic Lodge.

Ira will be sadly missed by all who knew him and by his pet dog, Willie.

He is survived by his sisters, Helen McMullen of West Deer, Dorothy Markich of Butler, and Velma (Raymond) Neese of Mars; a brother, Francis (Mary) Wood of Ormand Beach, Fla.; numerous nieces and nephews; and companion and pet dog, Willie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances (Girdwood) Wood, in 1995.

Relatives and friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., Tenth Avenue at Corbet Street, Tarentum, 724-224-1526, where services will be at 11 a.m. Friday. The Rev. Robert B. Walker, pastor of First Baptist Church, Tarentum, will officiate. Interment will be in Deer Creek Cemetery, West Deer. The family suggests contributions to the church or a charity of one's choice in memory of Mr. Wood.