BENNIE DEAN WOOD

BENNIE DEAN WOOD Bennie Dean Wood, 79, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Saturday, September 20, 2025, at his home in Legacy Suites, Satanta, Kansas. He was born on April 20, 1946, in Garden City, Kansas, to Jessie Louise (Neill) and Andrew Johnson Wood. He graduated from Satanta High School in Satanta, Kansas, in 1964. Bennie proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in August 1966 and being honorably discharged in May 1968. He served in Vietnam from January 1967 to January 1968 as a Sergeant E5 in Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. During his service, he was awarded several commendations, including the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star. Bennie's greatest pride was being a Vietnam Veteran. He was also the proud patriarch of a growing family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He never missed a chance to ask about his grandkids, always eager to hear their stories and celebrate their milestones. He loved going to their games, wearing his "Papa" shirts, and cheering loudly from the stands. Honest and straightforward, with a sharp wit, Bennie had a way of making people both laugh and think. He passed down more than advice; he passed down values. Jason, his oldest son, learned irrigation at a young age under Bennie's guidance. From him, Jason learned to work hard, keep his head up, and stay busylessons that still guide him today. Amber, his oldest daughter, found strength in Bennie's encouragement. He inspired her to reach her educational goals and to show patience when her boys stumbled. When problems came up, Bennie's advice was simple: "Pencil it out." Think it through and weigh the pros and cons. Brock, his youngest son, shared Bennie's love for the Kansas City Chiefs and a passion for politics. Their visits were full of lively debates and long talkssomething Bennie always enjoyed. Ashlee, his youngest daughter, carried with her Bennie's reminder to take time when making decisions and to trust herself above all. From him, she learned that independence builds strength and confidence. Bennie will be remembered for his warm smile, strong work ethic, love for his family, and deep devotion to his country. This Saturday, September 27, we will raise the red, white, and blue in honor of a man who served both his nation and his family with grace, grit, and heart. His children will miss him dearly, but he would want them to remember his words: "Get back to work." Bennie is survived by his children, Jason Wood and wife Heather of Wichita, KS, Amber Kester of Ulysses, KS, Brock Wood of Wichita, KS, and Ashlee Wood of Garden City, KS; grandchildren, Landon Wood of Wichita, KS, Brooklynn Nedbalek and husband Caden of Wichita, KS, Kaler Gilbert and wife Natalie of Midland, TX, Keaton Kester of Wichita, KS, and Lennyn Mesa of Garden City, KS; and great-grandchildren, Gavin Gilbert and Aubree Gilbert of Midland, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gale Wood. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Satanta District Hospital and Legacy Suites for their compassionate care and support. There will be no viewing, as cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Ulysses Cemetery, Ulysses, Kansas. Military honors will be rendered by the Kansas Army National Guard Funeral Honors and the Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honors. Friends and family are invited to attend and are asked to honor Bennie's request to dress casually in red, white, or blue. A time of sharing and remembrance will follow the service at Agave Azul, 1104 E. Oklahoma Ave., Ulysses, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, Bennie wanted donations in his memory to support veterans and their families, and he personally requested that they be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.