Joseph R. "Joe" Wood , age 86 of Elwood, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Ascension - St. Vincent Hospital in Anderson after a brief illness.  He was born September 16, 1936 in Elwood, the son of Mason S. and Mabel E. (Welsh) Wood.  Joe was a 1954 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  After returning home from military service, Joe attended and graduated from Ball State University where he earned a Master's degree in teaching.

Joe was a well-respected teacher for Elwood Community School Corporation for 35 years.  He truly enjoyed educating children and was a 5 ^th and 6 ^th grade teacher at Oakland Elementary School his entire career.  Joe also coached elementary Boy's basketball and Girl's softball for many years in addition to teaching drivers education at Elwood Community High School for several years.  He loved sports and was regularly seen at various games and tournaments.  Joe especially liked assisting with scorekeeping for the Elwood football team for more than 30 years.  He was always willing to assist wherever he was needed.  "Mr. Wood's" teaching and coaching career in the Elwood school system will never be forgotten.

Joe loved photography and going to the beach.  He had a quick wit and was always ready with a good joke.  Joe will always be remembered for having a smile on his face and greeting everyone with a kind word.

Joe's family includes a sister, Elsie Blaising of Ft. Wayne; brother, Dick Wood of Arizona; several nieces and nephews; and longtime special friend, Cheri Davies of Elwood.  He is also survived by numerous teachers who were like family to him, hundreds of former students, and friends at Elwood Health & Assisted Living.  Joe was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eugene Wood and Wendell Wood.

A life celebration visitation will be held from 1 to 4 pm on Monday, February 20, 2023 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Joe preferred not to have a formal funeral service.  A private graveside service and burial will be held at the Galveston Cemetery in Galveston with Randy Crook officiating.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood Health & Living Activity Fund or Catalyst Youth Center for Elwood's youth.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.