Bill J. Wood

Bill J. Wood Cherryvale - Billy J. (Bill) Wood, 84, passed away at his home on, September 9, 2020 with family by his side. Bill was born October 17, 1935 in Macksville, Kansas to Wesley Walter and Mary Etta (Young) Wood. The family lived on farms in Western Kansas until Bill graduated from the 8th grade, attended Altoona HS during his Freshman year, then the family moved near Thayer KS. Bill was active in sports and Future Farmers of America during his high school years, graduating in 1953 from Thayer High School. He worked for some area farmers and he followed the summer wheat harvest over the western states. He began working for Dodson Silo Company out of Wichita KS and at the age of 17 fell 25 foot onto concrete when scaffolding collapsed under him near Dallas TX. After recovering from this injury, he worked at various places until December 1956 when he was drafted into the Army. He transferred to the US Army Reserve in December 1958. He was honorably discharged in April 1961 when he enlisted in the US Air Force. He was stationed at Biloxi MS, and Myrtle Beach SC and after 4 years in the service returned to Kansas. He joined the Air National Guard in Haven KS for 8 years. On July 6, 1958 Bill was married to Della Florence Henry at the Cherryvale Christian Church. They recently celebrated 62 years together. Bill also showed cattle for Schlickau Hereford Ranch, Haven and worked at Cessna in Wichita and Hutchinson KS as a Test Pilot. Among other jobs he worked as a Bus Supervisor and driver for USD 447, Cherryvale and drove for Good Will Tours, Erie KS. He then worked as a route driver for the Parsons Sun and eventually retired from Walmart Stores, Independence at the age of 81. He has had many hobbies thru the years including making outdoor Christmas Decorations, building doll houses and red toy barns for his children and grandchildren. He also attended as many activities as he could for both his children and grandchildren alike. He is survived by his wife, Della, of the home, daughters Debbie Ellis, Marsha Smith and son Warren (Melody) Wood all of Cherryvale. Grandchildren Austin Dwayne Smith, Topeka, Summer Dawn Ellis (Cody Cluck), Cherryvale, Ty Blaine Wood, Winfield, Zachary Warren Wood (fiancé Taylor Herman) and Jessica Ann Wood, Manhattan, Heather Michelle (Dustin) Turner, Quapaw OK, Jason Ellis, Commerce OK. Great-Grandchildren Cooper Dean Cluck, Cherryvale, Kwart, Jabes and Kiana Turner, Rylynn and Jaylei Ellis OK, nieces, nephews and some very special close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hidden Haven Christian Camp at Thayer, KS; Cookson Hills Christian Home and School, Kansas, OK; New Hope Christian Church, Cherryvale or Harry Hynes Hospice. Services will be held at New Hope Christian Church in Cherryvale KS on Monday, September 14, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. with burial in Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale. The family will greet friends from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M., Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 East 4th, Cherryvale, Kansas.