Duane M. Wood

Exemplary hard work and great mechanical ability are just two ways to describe Duane Wood. He was born on July 1, 1930 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Ballard and Cecil (Bowser) Wood. Duane and his siblings, raised during the depression experienced their share of hard times and sometimes went without.

In 1944, when Duane was in eighth grade, he and his family moved from Fort Wayne to Big Lake, a move he always felt as a very positive change in his environment. He also gave a huge credit to his older brother Dale, who helped him choose the right path in life.

Duane attended Wolf Lake High School and was voted President of the Senior Class, graduating in 1949. Following that, he attended 2 years of college. Duane proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He considered his military service a great experience that instilled lifelong discipline. Hard work and being a do it yourselfer were great illustrative examples of that.
In fact, Duane often used military terminology on his children, such as "At Ease". The kids weren't sure what it meant, but by the tone of their dad's voice, but assumed they should stop and pay attention!

Duane was blessed to meet his 1st wife Sharon at the Columbia City Roller Rink while he was home on furlough. He was then blessed a 2nd time to meet his 2nd wife Lola, who he and his kids have loved dearly. On May 7, 1994, he married Lola L. Shultz-Meyer at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. Duane worked at ITT Fort Wayne, starting as a tool and die maker for 19 years, owned Pence Dry Cleaning for 7 years and Woods House of Interiors, Columbia City for 5 years. He retired from Columbia City Post Office with 16 years of service. Duane was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, having served as Past Building Committee and Parish Council member as well, Past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge, American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of Columbus, and Holy Name Society at church. He also enjoyed woodworking and building furniture for his family and generously sharing his abilities with the church. Duane will always be well thought of and dearly remembered by those who knew him.

Duane M. Wood, age 87, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 5:35 pm on Friday February 9, 2018 at The Hearth at Sycamore Village, Fort Wayne.

Survivors include his wife, Lola L. Wood of Columbia City; children, Bethann (John) Buchanan of Fort Wayne, Steve (Renee) Wood of Covington, LA; Gregory Wood of Duluth, GA; Richard (Andrew) Wood of Miami, FL, Jerry (Sue) Wood of Columbia City, John (Ria) Wood of Noblesville, Becky (Matt) Beery of Columbia City, Rick (Jan) Meyer of Carmel, Jason (Kerrie) Meyer of Georgetown, IN; 20 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dale and Ronald Wood, sister Virginia Hatfield, first wife Sharon Wood, and step-grandson Trent Michael Mowery.

Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with the Rosary recited at 1:40 pm and Elks Service at 7:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church 315 South Line Street, with calling one hour prior. Burial in St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Duane may be made to Masses, St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, or Riley Children's Hospital. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence.