"Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Gene William Wood."
In loving memory of
Gene William Wood
July 26, 1924 - December 28, 2015
Gene Wood; postman to 11,887 Washingtonians, Veteran of WWII, star of Veale Creek Theater, appreciator of Gevalia Coffee, Santa to children everywhere, piano tuner to the musical, husband and high school sweetheart to Patty, father to 12 (Janie, Jackie, John, Ellen, Melissa, Carolyn, Joe, Julie, Jeremy, and Jennifer), grandfather to 15 (Angela, Drew, Katrina, Scott, Ross, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Caitlin, Aaron, Joshua, Joseph, Benjamin, Caroline, and Anna), father-in-law/grandfather-in-law to the chosen ones (Michael, Stan, Suzi, John, Evelyn, Geoff, Erin, Jessica, and Suzy), great grandfather to 6 (Dylan, Drew, Ayden, Layne, Liam, and Miles), and friend to anyone who needed one, took his final bow on December 28th, 2015 at the age of 91. The heavenly gates were held open for him by his parents; Charles and Dora, siblings; Dorothy, Agnes, Lauretta, Margaret, Robert, Kathleen, James, Chick, and Wilma, sons; Jerome and Gene, and grandson; Abraham. Gene loved his family and friends, minivans, sports, theater, music, practical jokes, mystery novels, crossword puzzles, and after much lamenting, driving his beloved wife to the beauty parlor. Gene was a graduate of Washington Catholic High School''s class of 1942, charter member of the St. Simon Men''s Choir directed by Alice Fisher, and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. Gene spent many happy afternoons at Ellis Park betting on the races, or sitting in "Grandpa''s Chair" watching Lifetime movies. Nothing brought Gene more joy than to hear his children sing over, and over, and over again. He lived on the motto, "The one who eats the fastest gets the most", which is ironic for a man who usually ended up with more food on his shirt than he did in his mouth. Gene defied modern trends and always carried a hankie, and turned his nose up at Kleenex. Before the auto industry created the back-up cam, Gene was convinced he had perfected the mirror alignment for any vehicle, and thus eliminated the possibility of blind spots while driving. Gene never met a stranger, or a ½ gallon of butter pecan ice cream that he didn''t like. As a postman for USPS and President of USPS Carriers Union, he never grew too close to dogs nor to UPS, but he did love delivering the mail to all his friends in Washington. Gene may have lost in an appearance on the Family Feud, but he won in the game of life. As a person, soldier, husband, father, gentlemen, and friend he shines above all, and not because he was trying to, but because that was what God put him on this earth to do. His family does not mourn a death, but celebrates a life beautifully lived in the key of Gene. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed towards either Gene''s beloved Veale Creek Theater, P.O. Box 561, Washington, IN 47501 or to the Washington Catholic High School Alumni Association, 315 NE 3rd Street, Washington, IN 47501 of which he was a Board Member. The wake service will be held 3:30pm, and calling from 4pm-8pm on Monday, January 4th at Ed Lee Mortuary. There will be a rosary at 7 pm by the Knights of Columbus. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 5th at 10am at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery with full military rites. In closing, to the "damned next door neighbor", it was Gene who messed with your rain gauge.
Tributes
"Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Gene William Wood."
"Tom E. Higgins and family, Ventura, California purchased the Basket Full of Wishes for the family of Gene William Wood."
"Nancy and Steve Grube, Lori Mueller and Karen Riffey purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Gene William Wood."
"I worked with Gene, whom most of the carriers called "Butterbean." He made going to work fun as he was always telling stories, joking or pulling a practical joke on someone while we worked. Sometimes the bosses would get really upset, but Gene had a way of calming them down and they would end up laughing too. A firm believer in his Union, a guy who loved playing Santa, horse racing, making people smile. I remember him singing while casing mail. But most of all he was very proud of his very talented family. A life well lived, he was a wonderful friend. God bless you all. John Perry"
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"I was in a play with Gene one year when he played a bumbling Vice President. Cant remember which one but worked with one of his daughters at a grocery store. Loved hearing Gene sing and he tuned my family's piano everytime. Had missed being around him. Rest In Peace"
"What a wonderful man Gene was. I always had my CDs ready to play when he came to tune our piano. We spent more time talking and listening to music than actually tuning the piano. Priceless memories. He will be missed."
"Gene was a wonderful man. So gallant and cared so sweetly for his wife. Have missed them both at church since they moved away. God bless all of the family. He lived a long life and blessed many with his life and ready smile."
"I remember walking with gene when he would deliver mail in our area. We would have a great time talking those were good memories. My grandma Rhea worked at the post office with Gene and My Grandpa Drew was postmaster, they both had a lot of Love and respect for Gene"
"My condolences to the Wood family."
"My Uncle Gene always had a way of making me, my husband Mike and our children, Mark, Barb, Rob, Matthew, and Katie very special. Will remember that and his happy spirit and gigantic smile forever. We will miss him. Our love and condolences to Aunt Patty and all my cousins. Love, Pat Sloan Schaefer and family."
"Always enjoyed watching Gene perform at Veale Creek Theater, especially during Christmas. Gene and Patty would sing, " Color Of Christmas." He will be sadly missed. Prayers go out to Patty and the rest of the Wood family. With Love, Michele{Burkhardt} Potts"
"Gene was an awesome man. I love him and his beautiful wife. God bless all of his family and friends."
"Loved the example of love and marriage that Gene and Patty presented to us. Loved working with them at Veale Creek Theatre. Even when he came to tune my piano, my spirits were lifted as I never saw a sad face or heard any unpleasant words. Gene you are missed. God bless each of you."
"What a wonderful man, even to those who did not know him well he was so kind. Heaven has gained a precious angel. The Mark Halter Family"
"Dear Aunt Patty, cousins and extended family: Uncle Gene was one of a kind and we know this is a great loss to the family.as it is to us as well. Even though we have not seen Uncle Gene in awhile, we do remember the twinkle in his eye and especially the pride he took in his family. His obituary notice is a fitting tribute to him. May the memories each of you have stored in your heart help you through this difficult time. And may it bring you comfort to know that through these memories, he will be a part of you forever. I know by now my mother, Ruth, must have him tuning up her heavenly piano so they can sing some of their favorite songs together! And to Uncle Gene we say: May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be at your back, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand. In love and sympathy, Nephew Ed and Eileen Donadio (Northford, CT)"
"What a beautiful tribute to a grand life filled with music, children and friends. With our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers we remember Gene with a great big smile in our hearts. Steve Fogle"
"Enduring Grace was purchased for the family of Gene Wood."