Darrell Wood

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Darrell Wood, surrounded by his family, went into the arms of Jesus on July 12, 2020. Darrell was born on April 25, 1937 to Roy and Evelyn (Stirewalt) Wood near LaRussell, Missouri. He retained a lifelong connection to the rural families where he was raised and maintained his friendships there to the end of his life.

Darrell met Grace Ann Henry when he was 18 years old just after graduating from Miller High School in 1955. After a long courtship of approximately eight weeks, they eloped and were married sometime in June at a time and date that only they share. 

For the next 65 years, Darrell and Grace Ann embarked on a love affair that spilled joy into the lives of everyone they met. They raised their children enveloped in the love they shared with each other. 

But above all things, Darrell and Grace Ann loved God. Their faith in God was their North Star for all things. Darrell and Grace Ann’s house was not a democracy. There was no voting on whether the family would be going to church, and Darrell Wood was exceptionally capable of “helping” his children keep their commitments to God and others. Darrell led by example. He was a faithful member and elder of Prairie Flower Bible Church for 36 years. Darrell loved the people of Prairie Flower and they were in his daily prayers.

Darrell is survived by his sister Patricia Plank of Webb City and brother Lyndell and wife, Judy Wood, of Golden City. Darrell loved his sister and brother who have always been and will continue to be actively engaged in the lives of his family. When Darrell married Grace Ann, he soon inherited a new set of brothers and sisters who adopted him and loved him as one of their own. Dick and Patricia, Loyce and Marvin, Joyce and Jerry, Pat and Bud, Bob and Mary Ellen, Wilma and Gerald, Joe and Noreen, Norma, Tom and Jeannie, John and Sharon also became his family. They camped, skied, golfed, hunted, fished, and traveled together on uncountable adventures over 65 years. It is was not by coincidence, but by providence that Darrell’s inherited family also loved God, so that the love they shared for each other was held fast by their mutual love of Jesus.  

Darrell is survived by his wife, Grace Ann of Carthage; children, Mark and wife, Marie Wood, of Springfield, Lisa and husband, Mark Strader, of Springfield, Chuck and wife, Gayle Wood, of Carthage; grandchildren, Andrea and husband Richard Deussen of Irvine, CA, Benjamin Watt of Ventura, CA, Ethan Watt of Springfield, Mark Wood of St. Louis, Charles Wood, Gracie Wood, and Annaleigh Wood of Carthage; and multitudes of nieces and nephews whom he loved and enjoyed his entire life.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 16 at Prairie Flower Bible Church, 767 Prairie Flower RD, Webb City Missouri. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday July 17, 2020 at the same location. Burial to follow at Colley Cemetery. Please visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home of Webb City.