Warren Wood Trunnell

Warren Wood Trunnell Saturday, April 5, we lost our beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend. This is a huge loss to our family. He was the oldest of 15 children, the father or four children, the uncle to 35 nieces and nephews, the grandfather to eight children, the cousin to countless, and a dear friend to many of you who are reading this obituary. Warren Wood was the first of 15 children, born to Gerald and Doris Trunnell. As first born, he blazed the trail for the rest of his siblings, giving law enforcement and school officials a run for their money. He will be particularly remembered for speeding his red MG home in the wee hours, screeching into the driveway, gravel flying, taking the wheels off his car, and jumping into bed, leaving Mother to answer police questions. Some school officials, like Mr. Cannon, got more attention than others from Woody and brother Blaine; they celebrated Easter by egging and then spraying "Happy Easter" on his Wilder home. After various confrontations with the law, Woody ended up in the Marines. At one point, he was an MP and received the enviable distinction of escorting a contestant for the Miss Chula Vista contest, Miss Maria Leonard, who later, with members of her family, became part of our extended family. Woody did two tours of duty in Vietnam as a land Marine. We honor his service to our country. Upon returning from Vietnam, he attended the Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, and met his first wife, Barbara Jean Wright. The two married and headed to law school in Lawrence, Kan. Their first son, Wesley Vance, was born March 2; two months later, Woody graduated from law school. Barbara Jean died of Lupus in July. Woody and Wesley returned to the family farm. He began to rebuild his life, opening up a law practice and buying property a quarter of a mile from Mother and Dad. Several years later, Woody married Connie Lee Townsend and had another son, Bradley Wayne, and twin girls, Tyffanie and Tabitha. The farm was and continues to be a foundation for both Woody's family and the extended family as a whole. One of Woody's greatest joys was the Indy 500 because it meant visiting his life-long friend and Vietnam veteran buddy, Stephen Bradley, for whom his second son was named. Every year, Woody took one of his daughters and grandchildren with him to Indianapolis where he spent time tailgating, reminiscing, and watching the race with his kids and best friend. Woody, as we know him, aka Woodrow, General Woodrow, has been a vibrant and colorful part of Canyon County history for 62 years. As a public defender and private attorney, he cut a striking figure, often appearing in court still clad in mud-covered irrigation boots. Woody loved the law and politics. Before he left for the USMC Camp Pendleton, he was seen every where in his trademark hat, "Vote for Goldwater." He loved the wit and humor of William F. Buckley and George Wills. He never missed the morning paper. In fact, much to the chagrin of many prosecuting attorneys, he would bury his nose in the morning paper during their opening remarks. As a fisherman, he could be found at his favorite fishing holes, Phillips Reservoir, Horse Thief, Deadwood Reservoir, and Warm Lake, trolling for fish, enjoying the scenery, disentangling lines for nephews, siblings, grandchildren, and friends. Phillips Lake was his favorite spot until he was ticketed for missing a life jacket; he never returned to Phillips again. Some of the greatest family memories will be forever connected to these lakes, surrounding campsites and General Woodrow frying fish, listening to Willy and Waylon, the Righteous Brothers, the Mamas and the Papas, the Beach Boys, and playing gin rummy until the early morning hours. A letter from one of our cousins, Steve Gregory, to Woody's children reflects our own love and admiration for a great man. "Wesley, Bradley, Tiffany, Tabitha..Heroes...there aren't too many left in this world that one can look up to in admiration. Athletes, politicians, Hollywood stars, for the most part, have become too influenced by the "all-mighty dollar" and no longer are good role models for our kids! So, we have too look within, within our own families! I just wanted the four of you to know...your father has always been one of my heroes! Here is a man who grew up on a farm, served his country, became an attorney, has experienced more in life than any one individual should have to or want to experience! And yet, he continued to "live life"! Oh, I am sure he had his down moments like all of us, but every time I saw "Wood," he was all smiles and always had a laugh! I have often thought, "Gee, I wish I was that strong!" This country of ours needs more heroes like Wood! I hope he is one of your heroes! He's definitely one of mine, always has been, always will! Lots of Love, Steve Gregory." Our blessings go with him as we remember him, his wit, his chuckle, and his enormous heart. A celebration of his life will be held at the Methodist Church in Wilder, Idaho, on Monday at 3 p.m.. His ashes will be spread on Phillips Lake.