Donald Wood, age 78 of Elwood, died Sunday, September 4, 2011 at Bethany Pointe Health Campus in Anderson following an extended illness. He was born on May 11, 1933 in Decatur County, Indiana, the son of Webster and Dorothy (Dewitt) Wood. Don was an Electrician at Ex-Cello Corporation / Airfoil Textron for 24 years, and retired in 1998. He later worked in security for several years at Marsh corporate offices in Fishers. Donald was a 1951 graduate of Mays High School where he served as the class president. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy - Submarine Division during the Korean War. He married Betty D. Hoppel on December 11, 1955. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion; a member of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Holland Club; and the U.S. Submarines Club in Venice, FL. He was a former Babe Ruth Baseball coach in Elwood and an avid sports fan - especially the Indianapolis Colts and NASCAR. He loved to play sports including baseball, basketball, and softball as a pitcher. He enjoyed spending his winters in Florida. He also enjoyed the Concerts in the Park Series in Elwood, and spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donald was well-known for walking throughout Elwood, and in 1987 Don was honored to run and carry the torch for the Pan Am Games.

Survivors include his Wife – Betty D. (Hoppel) Wood of Elwood; Daughter – Lori (husband Mark) Reynolds of Elwood; 2 Sons – Donald "Keith" (wife Debbie) Wood of Tipton, and Matt (wife Pam) Wood of Tipton; Sister – Joyce Springman of Greensburg; 7 Grandchildren – Kylie (husband Darren) Dyer, Kara Barton, Joel (wife Stephanie) Wood, Jill Wood, Amy Wood, Kevin Horseman, and Brandon Wood; 4 Great-Grandchildren – Keagan Longnecker, Claire Barton, Evan Barton, Tenley Dyer; and a great-grandchild expected in 2011.

He was preceded in death by his Parents and a Brother – Robert Wood.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Matt Miller of the Central Wesleyan Church in Elwood officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 PM Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Burial will take place at the Marion National Cemetery in Marion with military honors by the U.S Military. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elwood Concerts in the Park Committee through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.