John Nelson Wood

OCTOBER 13, 1927 – APRIL 9, 2023

John Nelson Wood, 95, of Greencastle, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Born October 13, 1927 in Greencastle, the son of Charles Nelson and Flossie Mae (Knauer) Wood. He was a graduate of Greencastle High School “Class of 1945”.

John was a United States Army Veteran serving in WWII.

He retired from IBM, where he had worked for over 30 years. John had also owned and operated with his wife, Reita, Wood Produce for 25 years.

John was a well-known musician playing in the John Wood Combo for several years. He was a lifelong member and held various offices in the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Eagles Lodge, V.F.W., American Legion, and Masonic Lodge. He was past president of the Little Walnut Cemetery Board.

He was co-founder with Freddie Wheeler of the Bologna Open Golf Scramble running for 36 successful years with the help of numerous golfing friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Reita (Heath) Wood; an infant sister; and grandson, John Ryan Wood.

John is survived by his children, Terre Lansing, John C. (Brenda) Wood, Jeffrey (Tamara) Wood, Jerald “Woody” Wood, and Bradley (Stacia) Wood; 9 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

John and Reita shared six beloved dogs over 70 years, Oliver, Yogi, Geraldine, Skamp, Ceasar, and Spock.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 14, 2023 at the Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at the Little Walnut Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon on Friday until time of service with an Elks Memorial walk thru will be held at 1:45 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John to the V.F.W./American Legion Honor Guard.

A Celebration and Remembrance of John will be held at the V.F.W. Greencastle on Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.