Franklin Wood

Franklin Wood

June 10, 1940 – October 1, 2025

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. ~2 Timothy 4:7-8

Franklin “PeeWee” Wood left this earth in the arms of his savior on October 1, 2025 at the age of 85 years, 3 months, and 20 days.

Franklin was born on June 10, 1940 in Morgan Mill, Texas to Leola Harris Wood and Ceburn Riley Wood.

He graduated from Stephenville High School in 1958, and went to Tarleton State Junior College, where he ran track. He was a sprinter.

He went on to Texas Tech on a track scholarship and graduated in 1962 with a degree in accounting. He married Suzie Wagnon in 1962 and they had four children. He married Diana Rudel in 1984, and she brought four children to this union.

They started their journey of 41 years with a combined family of 8 children. During those years there was always room for one more plate at the table, be it niece, nephew, or friend.

One of the greatest accomplishments was manually building his own log home from start to finish with the help of his sons and nephews.

One of his proudest moments was being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 for the 1959 Sprint Relay Team. The team was National Junior College Track and Field Champions in the 440-yard sprint relay event. The team was Tarleton’s first ever national championship team in school history.

He owned and operated, with his son Randy, “Franklin Wood Upholstery” for over 35 years, giving each child an “opportunity” to work with their hands and learn a lost skill. From refurnishing furniture to building boat and car interiors, he was a true “hands on” craftsman.

Whether it be selling hotdogs at the city park concessions, or traveling across Texas on the weekends with the “sausage wagon”, or roasting pecans, he made friends everywhere he went.

He was easy going, loved his family dearly, always supportive, and ready to help where he could.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leola and Ceburn Wood, brother David Wood, In-laws Burl Fonville, Beverly Wood, Mary Ruth Wood, and Neva Wood.

He Leaves behind his wife, Diana of the home; Suzie Bolton, the mother of his children, Sherry Saffle (Doug) of Lubbock; children Kelly Wood of Stephenville, Tracy Moore of Stephenville, Danny Wood (Kim) of Florance, Randy Wood (Tia) of Stephenville, Michael Lomon (Renea) of North Zulch, Melissa Weber of Stephenville, and David Rudel (Nancy) of Vancouver, Washington; sister, Mary Fonville; brothers, Alden, CR and Bill Wood; grandchildren, LaTasha Rudel, Brittany Ownsby, Brynda Rueda, Colten Wood, Peyton Wood, Caldyn Wood, Taylor Strickler, Tommy Wood, Layla Wood, Matthew Lomon, Michael Lomon Jr., Kendra Harless, Hagen Aguilar, and Sloan Weber; 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews that loved their “Uncle PeeWee”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 3000 Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop, Stephenville, TX 76401, on October 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Jeff Lee officiating.