Don R. Wood, age 97 and resident of The Crossings Community in League City, Texas, was called to Heaven on September 30, 2024. His family and friends will miss him dearly and remember his determination, love of family and joking ways.

Don was an eleven pound baby born to parents, Ray A. and Maud Francis Wood on November 9, 1926 in Clayton, New Mexico. Being the youngest of six children, he always had a strong work ethic which began in his teenage years. He worked sweeping floors, delivering milk, working as a grocery store stocker and as a carpenter’s helper. Don was a member of Scouts where he was able to experience nice summer camping trips as his family did not take vacations back in the day. He briefly attended the University of New Mexico before serving in the Army Air Corp for two years. He was awarded a basketball scholarship to West Texas State in Canyon, Tx and received his BBA in 1949.

Don met and married Bobbye Lou Hefley on March 18, 1951 in Texline, Texas. They lovingly raised four daughters and enjoyed over 60 years of marriage including taking numerous trips together in their retirement years while living in Tucson, Arizona. Bobbye passed away January 20, 2013.

Don’s career as an Educator, Coach and Administrator spanned the course of 39yrs. He was a High School Basketball Coach, Typing/Bookkeeping Teacher, High School Principal and Superintendent in Clayton, New Mexico. The High School Auditorium “Wood Auditorium” is named in his honor. He went on to become Business Manager in Hobbs, New Mexico, Superintendent in Alamogordo, New Mexico, retired as Superintendent in Hobbs, New Mexico and was Executive Director of the NM School Boards Association in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After retiring, Don taught computer keyboarding, and took woodworking, stained glass and jewelry making classes. He made many gifts but especially took pride in the turquoise jewelry he made for his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He loved to see them wearing his jewelry.

In addition to his wife, Don is preceded in death by Ray A. and Maud Wood (parents); Ruby Wood (step mother), Robert F. and Maggie B. Hefley, (in-laws); four sisters-Marcille Gibbs (Glenn), Eloise Goforth (Walter), Thetis Musselman (Chet), Mozelle Tixier (Wendell), one brother-Presnall Wood (Mae), and Richard F. Hefley (brother-in- law).

Don is survived by four daughters-Donna Winter (Rob), Deanna Chillion (Randy), D’Lisa Johnston (John), Debra Milam (Stu); 12 grandchildren-Lindsey Goetz (Jon), Matthew Winter (Gina), Shelby Hall (Charlie), Barbara Phillips (Brad), Tiffany Chillion (James), Melissa Winter (Andy), D’Lexis Royce (Thomas), D’Laney Kernan (Cody), Benjamin and Jacob Milam, Heather Teran (Francisco), Christopher Johnston (Jessy); fifteen great grandchildren-Thomas and Nicholas Fletcher, Bryant Rush, Lauren, Miles and Grayson Phillips, Teagan and Madalyn Jansen, Andrew and Connor Goetz, Brooklyn, Kinsley and Ella Hall, Wesley Teran and Joey Johnston; two sister-in-laws-Sue Persons and Kay Hefley.

A reception of celebration is being planned by the family for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to Lakewood Methodist Church, Matthew 25:35 (Food Pantry) 11330 Louetta Road, Houston, Texas 77070 https://lakewoodmethodist.fellowshiponego.com/external/form/dd2867ce-43dc-44e5-bbd4-d21fe2f0b8bc or to The Crossings Employee Appreciation Fund, 255 North Egret Bay Boulevard, League City, Texas 77573 https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E355357&id=3.