Eddie Gene "Ed" Wood

1939 - 2013

Longtime Porterville resident, Eddie Gene "Ed" Wood, age 74, died on June 27, 2013 at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, California. He earnestly and bravely fought against chronic pain and infections over the past three years but succumbed to respiratory failure and septicemia after a devastating fall.
Born February 5, 1939, in Ansley, Nebraska to (now deceased) Phil & Leone Schmid Wood, Ed grew up moving from place to place but graduated with the class of '57 at Great Falls High School in Great Falls, MT where he met his true love, Bonnie. They married on June 2, 1961.
Ed was part of an elite few who trained with the Montana Air National Guard and earned top security clearance. His passion for flying came when he and a friend decided to learn to fly and from then on his eyes were turned skyward.
Ed moved his family to Porterville, California in 1968 following in his Uncle Loren "Dutch" Schmid's footsteps. He planted roots there by opening Porterville Aviation and serving the community through the many organizations he was involved in. A few of these included acting as President of PAPA (Porterville Area Pilots Assoc.), PHS Quarterback Club, Elks, and Exchange Club. He was also instrumental in bringing the Blue Angels to Porterville.
Ed was a loving husband and devoted father to his four sons and adored by his seven grandchildren. His many friends will remember him as a man who lived his life with honor, compassion and courage. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him.
Ed is survived by wife Bonnie, sons Bryce, Porterville, CA, Jason (Candace), San Clemente, CA, Chad (Leah), San Luis Obispo, CA, Justin (Jana), Corona, CA, sisters Kay Thares, Great Falls, MT, Marlene Becker (Jim), Pocatello, ID, brothers Jerry (Becky), Farmington, UT, Mike, Helena, MT, and Randy (Patty), Helena, MT, uncle Bob (Peg) Schmid, Lake Havasu City, AZ and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brother Don, Bullhead City, AZ, sister Linda Bruns, Flagstaff, AZ, brother-in-law Jim Thares, Great Falls, MT, daughter-in-law Tammy Jones Wood, Porterville, CA, uncle Ron Schmid, Great Falls, MT, aunt Dee Schmid Myers, Mesa, AZ, uncle Jack Myers, Mesa, AZ, uncle Dean Wood, Kalispell, MT, aunt Maxine Wood, Kalispell, MT, uncle Loren Schmid, Porterville, CA and nephew Brian Wood, Farmington, UT.
The service is being held at the First United Methodist Church (344 E. Morton Ave.) on Friday, July 12, 2013 at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Ed Wood Memorial fund. Checks should be mailed to the attention of Morris Tharp, 15243 Road 192, Porterville, CA 93257.
To sign the family guest book or send condolences, please go to www.myersfuneral.com. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.