Charles Floyd (Dick) Wood passed away on October 22, at a local care center. He was born on April 15, 1921 in Boise, Idaho to Thomas and Nora Davis Wood. He was the 6th in a family of six girls and three boys. He lost his mother at the age of seven. Later, five half-brothers joined the family after the marriage of his dad to Effie Howard Baxter. At the young age of 17, he married Ethel May (Shaul) Howard on October 29, 1938 and took on the responsibility of two young sons, Everett 3 and LeRoy 1. When asked why he chose to do so, he said he loved children and looked forward to being an instant dad. In 1939, a daughter, Donna Mae was born and in 1942 another daughter, Dianne, completed the immediate family. As the years went by, 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great-grandchildren joined the family circle. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, taking an interest in everyone's activities and accomplishments. He started farming and milking cows in the Lake Hazel area, and soon became well known as an outstanding farmer, raising hay and Holstein dairy cows. He still found time to be a 4-H leader, spend 50+ years in the Grange and serve on the Finance Committee at Ten Mile Church, where he was a member. One winter, he was on crutches after back surgery and the Co-op Oil Association Board asked him to work for them. He said only until spring when he could resume farming. He was a field man specializing in fertilizer sales. Almost 17 years later, he quit working for the Co-op and combining the two occupations. He always had good cow dogs and horses. The horses were used especially for hunting trips with his sons, sons-in-law and other family members. After moving into Meridian, he spent several years working in real estate with Bob Tillotson. Then he was back to farming on Columbia Rd. An old homestead on Cottonwood Creek provided the camping spot for family get-togethers for many years and later a new cabin at Clear Creek near Cascade was the place to go for family fun and snowmobiling. Fishing at Cascade Lake and Horsethief Reservoir was an added bonus. Card playing was always a source of family entertainment and enjoyment with friends. He was very competitive and played Pinochle and Hand & Foot until one month ago. Traveling to Yellowstone, Hawaii, Texas, Canada and the Oregon Coast, along with big family dinners were the highlights of his 72 years of marriage to Ethel. In retirement years he was an avid reader and loved watching baseball on TV. In 2001 he and Ethel moved to Goldcrest in Nampa. He discovered new hobbies of gardening, raising beautiful flowers and woodworking. Every child, grandchild, great-grandchild and great-great-grandchild has a small table made by grandpa Wood, and many also have bird houses. His neighbors at Goldcrest often bought his woodworking products or asked him to make or fix a specific project. He chose to move to Heron Assisted Living in 2016 when he decided he shouldn't use his saw or drive anymore. He found new friends and caregivers who loved him and with whom he shared his good humor and appreciation. The family would like to thank the Heron staff, Horizon Hospice and Home Watch for all their love and care. It was a blessing. Dick was preceded in death by his wife Ethel; his son and daughter-in-law LeRoy and Marlene Howard; his parents; and seven of his eight siblings. He is survived by his son Everett (Bev) Howard; his daughters Donna Crane and Dianne (Arvel) King; his sister Verda Allen; four half-brothers: Wayne (Lucy) Wood, Harry (Dawn) Wood, Eddie (Sharon) Wood and Gary (DeAnn) Wood; and all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28 at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa (208-467-7300) with a viewing from 9 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will follow at the Meridian Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at zeyerfuneralchapel.com.
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