JOHN RUSSELL WOOD's Obituary
John Russell Wood of Beaumont, CA passed away Sunday June 15, 2008 at the age of 77. He was born in San Francisco, CA on February 11, 1931 to Earnest and Eileen Wood. Although free thinking and fiercely independent, John joined the National Guard in 1949 and then served the United States Army as a cook during the Korean War. Although a corporal, John accepted the self-appointed rank of ?general of the kitchen,' a role he cherished and continued to relive throughout his life. He received his honorable discharge from the army in 1952.
John was a loyal member of the Teamsters, Local 166, working in the beer and liquor industry. A true lover of knowledge as well as life, he attended San Bernardino Valley College and later received a degree from Skadron Business College. He also served eleven years on the Board of Directors for Junior University Musical Theatre. During his time on earth, John was able to find truth and beauty in even the simplest elements of life. His sense of wonder and humor would influence everyone lucky enough to have shared moments with him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Wood and Eileen Failing. He is survived by his loving wife Janice Wood; sister Mary Black; brothers Walter and Earl Wood; daughters Denise Smerek and Linda Shreve; sons-in-law Jeff Smerek and Tony Shreve; grandchildren Jeff Smerek, Julie Clow, Jennifer Breslin, Tyler Shreve, Tanner Shreve, Turner Shreve, and Sydney Shreve; great-grandchildren Robert Clow, Maximilian Smerek, Kelly Clow, Eliana Smerek, Christian Clow, Caitlyn Breslin, and Gregory Breslin; extended family Jimmy and Stella Wood, Jocelyn Wood, Kris and Christie Kjellman, Lester Heath, Kenny and Sari Greene, James and Trisha Heath.
There was NO greater man, son, husband, dad, granddad, great-granddad, brother and friend. We miss him dearly.
Memorial services will be held at Bobbitts, San Bernardino, CA at 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 19th.
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