Eugene S. Wood

Eugene Wood Obituary

CARBONDALE - Eugene S. Wood, 86, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, in Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, in Huffman-Harker Funeral Home in Carbondale, with the Rev. Dr. Chris Ritter and the Rev. John Annable officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park in Murphysboro, with military graveside rites. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

He was born June 23, 1922, in Ullin to Nile and Lutie (Seibert) Wood. He married Ruth Bozarth on July 25, 1948, in McLeansboro.

Dr. Wood retired from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1979 as a professor in the College of Agriculture after 30 years at the university. He served as superintendent of University Farms, assistant dean of the School of Agriculture and chairman of the Department of Agricultural Industries. He published numerous articles and received state and federal funding for several research projects. Dr. Wood's major research contribution was to develop and test a "Capstone" program for vocational and military students which saved them approximately one year in obtaining a bachelor's degree.

He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Tau Alpha, Alpha Zeta and several other educational and professional organizations.

Dr. Wood received bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Illinois and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. Honorary awards include Outstanding Teacher in College of Agriculture in 1970, faculty service award by Alpha Gamma Rho, Distinguished Education Award, Phi Delta Kappa, and Honorary Illinois State Farmer.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II from 1942 to 1946 as a meteorologist, with two years of service in North Africa.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Carbondale.

Dr. Wood is survived by his wife of 60 years; daughter, Barbara (Glenn) Peterson of Morrison; son, Don (Chevyoune) Wood of Springfield; grandchildren, David (Heather) Peterson of New York, Derek Peterson of Nara, Japan and Michaela Wood of Springfield; and great-grandchildren, Clio Grace and Eleri Ruth Peterson of New York.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Webb.

Memorials may be made to the Eugene S. Wood Agricultural Education Scholarship Fund through Southern Illinois University Foundations or to the First United Methodist Church in Carbondale.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Southern Illinoisan from Jan. 23 to Jan. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Wood

7 Entries

Diane Cavosie

January 26, 2009

Barb, Pete and family, I was sorry to hear of Dr. Wood's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with all the emotions that arise upon the death of a parent. Hugs across the miles . . .

Janice Horberg

January 25, 2009

Barb and Pete: I was saddened to hear about the death of your dad, Barb. Losing a parent is never easy. Harold also told me that Pete had good news this past week at Iowa City which is a reason for joy. I wish you the best and know that my prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jan Horberg

Joann Kilgus

January 25, 2009

Barb, Pete, and family,We were sad to hear in church this morning of the death of your Dad and the boys Grandfather. Please know that we are thinking of you all and praying for peace and comfort. I talked to Harold for quite awhile and he updated me with all the other issues you are facing. We keep you all in our hearts and prayers. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.Love, Joann and Wally

Myke Ramsey

January 25, 2009

Dr. Wood and his wife boarded horses on their farm and I was one of the lucky ones to be allowed to keep my horse there. "Doc" kept a close over each one of the horses and tended them with an experienced eye and a loving heart. He had a wonderful sense of humour and a great booming laugh. I remember him breaking ice on the pond and making sure that my finicky Throughbred had enough to drink. Then he made a great story out of it and we all were laughing at the end of the tale. "Doc" was a wonderful teacher in the university and a wonderful teacher about life. . He will be missed.

Sue Ebberts

January 25, 2009

My sister Joyce and I had the pleasure of working for Gene and Ruthie wood. To know them was a pleasure. A very kind and gentle man. Gene showed this often in the way he spoke to, and cared for his wife Ruthie. Gene had a very familiar way about him, making you feel you had known him much longer than you had. My sister and I were allways made to feel like family not employes. Anyone who knew Gene was blessed, he truly cared for people. Gene will be missed by many, but allways remembered with respect and kind memories. Thank you Gene for the pleasure of knowing You, and working for you.
Sue Ebberts, Joyce Leeper and family's.

Dinah Patton

January 24, 2009

I first met Dr. Wood when I was a secretary at SIUC in the Ag Department in 1978. He impressed me as a kind, dedicated professional with a good sense of humor and humility. He will be missed.
Dinah (Miller) Patton

Sherry Struck

January 23, 2009

My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Eugene Wood. Thanks be to God that we know he is resting in the loving arms of God his creator.

I knew Mr. Wood from my husband who held him in the highest regard and from our special friendship with his son, Don. What a wonderful, loving family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Wood and her children and grandchildren at this time.

Sherry Struck and family

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results