Charles Ernest Wood

1925—2018

Charles E. Wood passed away Sat. Feb 3rd at home. He was born in Temple, TX to Charley ‘Lee’ and Allie Irene (Alexander) Wood.

He moved with family to Hollister, CA in 1939 when he was 14 yrs old.

Married Gertrude Beck on Mar 1, 1941 in Brawley, CA and then moved to Napa.

He joined the US Army in 1942 at the age of 17 and had his first son, Donald shortly after his 18th birthday. He was immediately deployed and served four years during WWII traveling into 23 countries. His battalion was sent in the second wave onto Omaha Beach.

After WWII he joined the National Guard and served our country during the Korean War. After the Military. he bought a home and worked at Mare Island as a crane operator, where he retired in 1985.

He moved his family to Orangevale, CA and worked construction for A. Teigert & Sons. He helped build Lake Oroville Dam.

After that retirement he followed his dream and traveled to Alaska in 1966. He used his crane operator skill and helped construct the Shell ‘A’ Oil Platform in Cook Inlet. In his spare time on the Kenai Peninsula he helped build Redoubt Baptist Church. After six months away from his family (including his two grandchildren) he was ready to come home.

Preceded in death: his parents Charley ‘Lee’ (1981) and Allie Irene (1993). His beautiful wife of 66 yrs Gertrude Beck (2007). Toddler son, Michael Edward (1949), brother Alfred Wood and nephew Darren Bernice.

Surviving family: Sons, Donald N. Wood (Loma) Soldotna, Alaska, Charles ‘Douglas’ Wood (Sheila) Reno, NV, Phillip G. Wood, Kenia, Alaska.

Grandchildren: Loma ‘Darlene’ Hall Koecher (Zach) Soldotna, AK, Michael N. Wood (Renee) Eagle River, AK.

Great grandchildren: Loma ‘Laurann’ Hall Koecher (zach), Angela ‘Angie’ Hall (Lucas Kriner), Anthony Hall (Morgan), Ailee Wood, Christopher Wood (Alaina) all living in Alaska.

Great Great Grandchildren: Cooper, Fischer & Wylder Koecher and Redford Kriner.

Sisters: Doris Moore (Ed) and Patsy Wood (Garrett), many nieces and nephews and their families. A special mention to his niece Mary Elizabeth Carden who was always graciously ‘on call’ to his needs. Also a thank you to his caregiver Sally who’s untiring attention could never be matched.

Graveside services at Tulocay Friday, Feb 16, 1:30 PM. Reception to follow at site.

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