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BORN
1924
DIED
2020
Hugh Wood Obituary
Rowlett, IL—Hugh "Bill" Williford Wood, 95, of Rowlett, Texas, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020. Hugh was born on October 6, 1924, in Hillsdale, Michigan. He was the son of Alva V. Wood and Sena E. Williford Wood. He grew up in Chicago and lived with his mother after his parents separated. In 1940, he graduated from Hyde Park High School at the age of 16. After attending junior college for almost 2 years, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War 2. He served 3 years in Europe and the South Pacific before returning to his studies. He graduated with honors (third in his class) at Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1947. After working one year at Zenith in Chicago, he landed a job with LeTourneau in Peoria, Illinois. LeTourneau was sold to Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) in 1953. Over time, Hugh became involved with and had a passion for, reliability engineering. It was during this time that Hugh met Margaret A. Bolt in Peoria at a drug store where she had a summer job. They were married on October 2, 1960, in Hanna City, Illinois, and were together until his death. Shortly after his engagement to Margaret, Hugh began reconnecting with his dad and stepmom Velma. This became a central part of his family's life and he spent all of his 2 weeks' vacation each year traveling to see them in Houston. Hugh left WABCO, and Peoria, in 1974 to join Fiat-Allis in Springfield, Illinois. In addition to his role as reliability engineer, he eventually performed a variety of other roles, including the preparation and review of legal documents. He retired from Fiat-Allis in 1988. Hugh was an avid investor who read the Wall Street Journal every day after work into retirement. He loved the Bears and Cubs, although he also had a soft spot for the Lions and Tigers from his early days in Michigan. He was thrilled to witness the Cubs finally winning the World Series in 2016! Hugh also loved the ocean, restaurant dining, chess, ping pong, and mathematical puzzles of all kinds. Those left to cherish Hugh's memory include his wife, Margaret; son, Gary Wood currently recovering from a liver transplant in Richardson, TX; son, Alan (Renee) Wood with grandchildren Zoe & Braeden of Waukee, IA; daughter, Barbara (Joe) Figarelli with grandchildren Sophia and Joseph of Rowlett, TX; his sister, Judy Herr in Livermore, CA, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private service for Hugh will be held at Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to either Hugh's son Gary to help with liver transplant expenses (checks payable to Gary Wood at 2916 Burgundy Trail, Rowlett, TX 75088) or to Peace Lutheran Church at 2800 W. Jefferson Street, Springfield, IL 62702.
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Memories and Condolences
for Hugh Wood
David Grebner
June 22, 2023
I have such fond memories of our family visiting Hugh and Margaret when I was a kid. My dad, Arthur Grebner, worked at WABCO with Hugh.
David Grebner
June 21, 2022
Some of the best times of my childhood were our family visits with Hugh and Margaret. Hugh and I played chess, and he always won! We both had a great time!
Margaret Wood
September 6, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
David Grebner
June 28, 2020
So sorry to Hugh's family for your loss. My deepest heart goes out to you. In addition to my earlier memory, I recall that, of my dad's friends, Hugh and Margaret were among my favorite. I remember Hugh's great sense of humor. I visited Hugh and Margaret once in Springfield.
David Grebner
June 28, 2020
Hugh was my father's work colleague at LeTourneau. They became friends and I remember visiting Hugh, Margaret, and family here in Peoria. I remember playing chess with Hugh, and, of course, he would always win! :-)
Marjorie Grebner Welsch
June 28, 2020
Margaret and family, You have my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I only hope that your beautiful memories can bring comfort during this unhappy time. I remember when you and Hugh came to visit our family, parents Arthur, Bernice, brother Dave and me marjie in rural Metamora in the early 1960s, and also some delicious dinners at your place. My father worked with Hugh at Letourneau/Wabco in Peoria Illinois. The photo was taken in 1961 by Arthur C. Grebner at his rural Metamora Illinois home. Marjie (and family).
Barbara Figarelli
June 27, 2020
I was blessed to call this great man my father. Rest in eternal peace, Daddy. We love and miss you ❤❤❤
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