Richard Leon Wood

  Richard Leon Wood (91), born on January 10, 1935, in the small town of Pond Creek, Oklahoma, departed his life's journey on January 16, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Richard's life was a remarkable journey of passion, intelligence, and wisdom, touching the lives of all who knew him and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

  As the son of John Richard "Chip" Wood and Dorothy Arline Wood, who preceded him in death along with his brother Baby Wood, Richard grew up surrounded by the love and support of his family. His sisters, Barbara Davis and Linda Holle, shared in the many joyous and challenging moments that shaped their brother into the man he became.

  Richard's pursuit of knowledge led him to study engineering at Oklahoma University, a testament to his keen intellect and his desire to understand the workings of the world. His academic achievements were just the beginning of a life filled with curiosity and learning.

  In Patricia L Wood, Richard found his love and best friend. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to devotion. When Patricia passed away in 1998, Richard carried her memory in his heart every day thereafter, a perpetual tribute to their enduring love.

   A father to Mark R Wood and Susan M Burrows, Richard instilled in his children the values of hard work and the pursuit of one's passions. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Mark A Wood, Harrison R Wood, Alicia Greer, Alex L Burrows, and Taylor W Burrows, and his great-grandchildren, Isaac, Theodore, and Finn Burrows.

  Richard's professional life was marked by dedication and excellence. His contributions to the engineering field were significant, and his work ethic was unparalleled. But it was in his personal interests that Richard truly soared. A passionate builder and flyer of model airplanes, he traveled the country participating in flying competitions. This hobby was more than just a pastime; it was a community, a family of fellow enthusiasts with whom he forged lasting friendships and shared countless hours of joy.

  Upon retirement, Richard turned his attention to the canvas, expressing his creativity through watercolor and acrylics. His artwork, much like his life, was vibrant, thoughtful, and full of emotion. He also enjoyed going to the sports events with family and friends was a fan of baseball, arena football, football, and basketball.

  To speak of Richard is to speak of a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and left a legacy of wisdom. His was a life that exemplified the power of following one's passions, the importance of building strong relationships, and the beauty of leaving a colorful mark on the canvas of the world.

  As we celebrate the life of Richard Leon Wood, we are reminded of the impact one individual can have. His story encourages us to pursue our dreams with fervor, to cherish our loved ones, and to live each day with the passion and intelligence that he embodied. Richard's journey may have come to an end, but his spirit continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

  There will be a visitation at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Wilson Funeral Home, Pond Creek, OK. Funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m. following the visitation at the Wilson Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Heath Buster. Interment will follow at  Rosemound Cemetery in Medford, OK.