John Nelson Wood

John Nelson Wood, 95, of Greencastle, passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Born Oct. 13, 1927, in Greencastle, he was the son of Charles Nelson and Flossie Mae (Knauer) Wood.

He was a 1945 graduate of Greencastle High School.

John was a United States Army veteran serving in World War II.

He retired from IBM, where he had worked for more than 30 years. John had also owned and operated with his wife, Reita, Wood Produce for 25 years.

John was a well-known musician, playing in the John Wood Combo for several years. He was a lifelong member and held various offices in the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Eagles Lodge, VFW, American Legion and Masonic Lodge. He was past president of the Little Walnut Cemetery Board.

He was co-founder with Freddie Wheeler of the Bologna Open Golf Scramble, running for 36 successful years with the help of numerous golfing friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Reita (Heath) Wood; an infant sister; and grandson John Ryan Wood.

John is survived by his children, Terre Lansing, John C. (Brenda) Wood, Jeffrey (Tamara) Wood, Jerald “Woody” Wood and Bradley (Stacia) Wood; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

John and Reita shared six beloved dogs over 70 years, Oliver, Yogi, Geraldine, Skamp, Ceasar and Spock.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 14 at the Bittles & Hurt Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at the Little Walnut Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon on Friday until time of service, with an Elks memorial walk-through will be held at 1:45 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John to the VFW/American Legion Honor Guard.

A celebration and remembrance of John will be held at the VFW in Greencastle on Sunday, April 16 from 2-5 p.m.