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Jack Wood, age 90, of Arkadelphia passed away peacefully February 16, 2009. He was born on October 11, 1918, the first of seven children to Sutah Bell Wood and Andrew J. Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, his 3 brothers, Tom, Carroll, Marvin and his 2 sisters Mildred and Emma Cathern. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife, Patricia Joan, of 64 years; his three children - Barry (daughter-in-law Mary), Jack Jr, (daughter-in-law Nancy), and his one and only daughter Lynda. He also leaves six precious grandchidren, (Chris, Derrick, Chad, Wendy, Nathan, Justin); thirteen wonderful great grandchildren; his loving brother, Roy Glen of Camden; special brother-in-law Orlan Ehler of Iowa and two sister in law's, Nell Wood of Arkadelphia and Ingrid Willmott of Texas-- also many special nieces and nephews. A special thank you to his niece, Kathy Campbell, for the loving care she provided to Jack and Pat when their children were unable to be here.

He graduated from Arkadelphia High in 1936. Jack was a member of St Andrew United Methodist Church. He worked on his Father's farm during the Great Depression before enlisting in the regular Army in 1940. He completed his 8 weeks Basic Training at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. before assignment to Westower, Mass. At the onset of Pearl Harbor he was transferred to Pendleton Field, Oregon. From Pendleton he was transferred to Wendover Field, Utah to train with the newly formed 306 Bomb Group. He became a member of the 306th in April of 1942 and the group was sent overseas to Thurleigh, Bedfordshire, England on September 11th, 1942. He remained with this group with duty as First Sergeant of the 369th Bomb Squadron until his return to the States on July 13th, 1945.

While serving in England he met a beautiful English girl, Patricia, and they were married. She was the love of his life and their love was such an example to all who knew them -- their marriage was the perfect example of the meaning of marriage and loving someone more with each passing day. Patricia and the three children adjusted to moving to eight different states during Jack's Military career. After 27 years active service he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, Division Sergeant Major. He led by example and was a wonderful role model to those who served under him. He loved his country and was proud to have served in both peace and war. He received numerous medals and awards for distinguished service while serving in England (WWII), France, Japan and the Korean War. During their eight stateside assignments they determined that Amarillo, Texas was their favorite city to retire due to the people being so friendly; so Amarillo was where Jack and Pat chose to retire. After retirement he worked for Sid Stout Ford as a Sales Consultant for 20 years. In 1986 he later returned to Arkadelphia to care for family.

He loved his family more than any man could; and let them know every day of his life how important they were to him. He also enjoyed reading the newspaper every day from front to back, writing to Congressmen and the President to tell them what he thought about the way the country was being run and to offer his advice on what should be done. He loved all types of sports and also loved telling stories to his children and grandchildren about the "good old times" in his early life growing up on a farm in the 20's and 30's -- life without electricy, running water, television, radio, telephone, lack of toys with only an apple or orange for Christmas. He told them about his spare time job, when he worked at a service station for $1.00 per day and when gasoline sold for 17 cents per gallon.

Jack had a great, quick sense of humor that sparked a smile in all that met him --- he was known by his friends as being a kind, honest, and loving man. He had so much to share, his children purchased a recorder and wanted him to record his life story however he never finished his marvelous journey. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He believed in doing what was right, doing your best and giving to those in need. Many acts of kindness on his part were given to many people.

The Wood family would like to thank the special and caring staff of Twin Rivers Rehab and Assisted Living for their remarkable kindness to our Dad. They are truly angels who we hope their kindness and love will be returned to them many times over. We love each and everyone of you! Also thank you to all our wonderful neighbors and friends for their many prayers and support during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 20, 2009, at 2:00 pm at Saint Andrew United Methodist Church with Pastor Jessica Durand officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Richland Cemetery under the direction of Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.

The family will receive friends at their home (301 North Park Drive), from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 19th.

Those wishing to memorialize Jack may make contributions to Saint Andrew United Methodist Church, 2301 Crawford Street, Arkadelphia, Ar 71923 or to the Richland Cemetery Fund, (for the Improvement/Upkeep of this Cemetery) c/o Floyd Thomas 973 Central Rd., Arkadelphia, Ar 71923.

Visit www.welchfh.net to sign guest book & view video tribute.