Kenneth O. "Ken" Wood

Kenneth O. "Ken" Wood, 85-year-old Vinita resident, passed away early, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at his home. He was born on July 27, 1940, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to Jess and Ruby Gertrude (Wilcox) Wood. Ken was a 1959 graduate of Centralia High School. On September 7, 1959, he married the love of his life Ruth Ann (Bartmess) at the Welch Baptist Church. Ken proudly served his country from 1960-1964 in the United States Navy, honorably discharged as Petty Officer 3rd Class. He worked for Douglas Aircraft, Spartan Aircraft, Empire Gas, Wood's Furniture Store, had his own dump truck to haul materials, and lastly for Craig County District #1, operating heavy equipment and he retired from there. He was a member of the Vinita First Church of God. Ken was very mechanically inclined and loved to work on older vehicles, tractors, and farming, his favorite project being his 1953 FORD pickup "Pinky", he also really enjoyed his daily coffee meetings at the Hi-Way Café. Ken and Ruth also loved to travel and had been to most all of the states during that time.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Leona Wood, Bob Wood, Mary Lou Wood, and Carla Wood.

The family includes his wife Ruth of the home; children, Mary Lou Turner and husband Charlie of Vinita, Kenneth Dale Wood and wife Dena of Olive Branch, Illinois, Jeff Wood and wife Kathy of Vinita; a sister, Debbie Wood of Vinita; grandchildren, Kaycee Roberts, Chad Turner, Kayde Pender, Laura Wood, Jenny Wood; four great-grandchildren, John, Kensley, and Payton Roberts, and Ridge Pender; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel in Vinita.

The celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Church of God in Vinita. The family will have a private graveside service at Timpson Chapel Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Friends may give to Neighbors Helping Neighbors or Coffee on Ken at the Hi-Way Café. Arrangements are in care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."