Don R. Wood
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 Jansen (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.
Donna and family, my condolences are with you. Mr. Woods made many valuable contributions to the Clayton School System during his tenure. I’m sure your family will miss him. May is soul rest in peace.
Thank you Judy-your kind words are appreciated.
Deanna, Donna, D’Lisa and Debbie, Don was a wonderful father and I will miss his stories although I did not see him as often as I would have liked. We would reminisce about he and Bobbye’s trip to our place in Vermont and chat about his Michener books. He was so well read and had some very interesting stories. Treasure the memories of a lifetime of love and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Thank you for your kind words, Dorene.
Thank you dear friend, my parents thought the world of you.
DONNA, DEANNA, D’LISA, AND DEBRA,
I am saddened to hear of your father’s passing. He was a great man!!
I remember your parents as being friendly and welcoming to every kid who knew them. Your father was the tallest man I knew for the longest time! Being bigger than life to me, and Superientendent, it was easy to look up to him and admire him. He was my friend’s daddy, so he was really special!
It was a moment of great pride when I walked into his office with Donna to see where he worked, and to take her picture there during our 50 year class reunion. His office was filled with handmade WPA furniture made by my two uncles, so we both shared in the moment.
What a reunion your father and mother are having now, as he has joined the heavenly hosts! He and she are young and perfectly healthy once again!
Thank you, JoBeth. He had a notecard with your artwork on it in his room. You are very talented and we appreciate your kind words!
Dear Deanna and sisters, You know how much I adored living next to your mom and dad. They made me feel so connected to the community in AZ. I loved chatting with them oveer the wall and we shared sunshine exchanges whenever possible. The love that your whole family shares always radiated from their home. I’m so blessed to have known part of the Woods clan. RIP my dear Don and praise in the glory of being reunited with Bobbye, your beautiful bride. Shalom
Thank you so much Cathy for your comforting sentiments. Hope you are doing well.
We never had closer friends than Don and Bobbye. We followed them from Alamogordo to Hobbs where we both were invited to join the Hobbs schools. Later we followed them again to spend our retirement years in Tucson. We send our deepest sympathy to the four girls and their families.