Arthur “Art” S. M. Wood
Arthur S. M. Wood was born on October 31, 1937 in Jersey City, New Jersey and died on November 25, 2024 in Clear Lake, Texas. He was 87 years old.
Art leaves behind his loving wife, Renate Foerster Wood, of 65 years; his daughters, Lauren Jones (Kingwood, Texas) and Dr. Karen Wood (Chapel Hill, North Carolina); sisters, Joy Fewell (Tom) and Judi Bowen (both sisters live in Chapel Hill); and brother-in-law Bernie Foerster (Pennsylvania). He was also blessed to have 2 grandsons, Chris Jones and Bryan Jones (Natalie) living in the Houston area; and 2 great grandchildren, Oliver and Alaina.
Art graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Chemistry and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. He received his MBA from the University of South Alabama while working there. He worked in the Chemical Engineering field, first as an engineer, then as a manager, and finally as a Divisional Vice President for over 40 years with Stauffer Chemical (which transitioned to AKZO Nobel) in various states. Much traveling was involved to the Netherlands in the last 10 years of his career.
Art was very involved with the church everywhere they moved. For the last 30 years, he was a member of Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, where Art served as an Elder, on Personnel and Finance Committees, plus ushering and serving communion regularly. His greatest joys at church were leading Men’s Bible Study for over 14 years and participating in a small group for more than 20 years. Art was a good and faithful servant of the Lord.
He also enjoyed numerous roles in the Rotary Youth Exchange program for over 25 years. Art and Renate hosted several foreign exchange students in their home and he also served for many years as Treasurer of the youth exchange program.
Of all of Art’s accomplishments, he was most proud of his daughters and their achievements.
Art was an active bridge player, reader (mostly nonfiction), and traveler. He also played tennis and biked miles with his friends for many years. He enjoyed golf, swimming, and playing cribbage with anyone who would play. Art was an avid sports fan, cheering on the University of Houston basketball and football teams. He was very handy around his house and his daughters’ houses and will be missed for that help as well.
The entire family is very sad that he left us so suddenly but takes great comfort in knowing that he did not suffer and met Jesus and the mysteries of this world are now made known to him.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, 1511 El Dorado Boulevard, Houston, TX 77062.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Art’s memory to the American Heart Association, Space Center Rotary Youth Exchange or Clear Lake Presbyterian Church.
Space enter Rotary Club
Attn: Youth Exchange Donation
P.O. Box 58862
Houston, Texas 77058
My life is more rich because of you, Art. I always enjoyed time with you and your lovely bride, and I will always cherish our bike ride together.
Sarah Carrier
Art Wood is the epitome of a Christian “gentleman” with a gentle and loving soul. My husband, Dennis, attended the Clear Lake Presbyterian Men’s Bible Study and he often spoke of Art Wood’s superb teaching skills and deep knowledge of the Bible. Art’s pride in his family was evident to all and his love for his wife, Renate, was dedicated and unfaltering. Art Wood’s kind and giving spirit will continue to be a model for many. Art will be missed tremendously but those who loved him are reassured that Art is in the Arms of Jesus.
My heart breaks for Ranate and the family. Art was an invaluable member of our church and our Rotary club. No words can say how much we will miss him.
Condolences from The Gallagher Family as Art was called home to God. It was a pleasure knowing him through Rotary. A life well lived exemplifying the values of faith, family, hard work, community, and service to others. He certainly used his life to contribute positively. Grateful for men like Art, and praying for family and friends. -Julia Gallagher