Francis Lee 'Bill' Wood

Jan. 7, 1925 - Jan. 21, 2007

MCPHERSON, Kan. --Francis Lee "Bill" Wood, 82, died Sunday (Jan. 21, 2007) at Memorial Hospital in McPherson, Kan.

He was born Jan. 7, 1925, near Hill City in Graham county, to Harve Edson and Pauline (Stirn) Wood. He grew up in Graham County and attended Mount Etna District No. 81 Country School and Graham County High School.

He served in the U. S. Army as a Technician Fifth Grade. He was a sharp shooter and heavy truck operator in World War II. His honors include the Philippine Islands (Defense) Southern Philippines (Liberation); Asiatic - Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, AR600-68, and the Victory Medal.

He was a farmer and worked as a mechanic in the McCook area and for Walter Motor Studebaker Company in Norton, Kan. He also worked as an insurance agent and later as a special agent for Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Graham County and McPherson County.

On Oct. 25, 1942, he married Annette?Pearl McBride in Oberlin. They lived in in Hill City, Norton and Salina, Kan., before moving to McPherson in 1979. They owned and operated Old Time Photos. She preceded him in death on March 24, 2006. After his retirement he was a greeter for Walmart in McPherson.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post of Hill City and McPherson, IOOF" Odd Fellows" of Lenora, Kan., Rebecca Lodge of Hill City, a former member of the Kiwanis Club of McPherson, New Life Foursquare Gospel Church of McPherson and a former member of Grace Bible Church. He was also a guest Pastor for the Southern Baptist Church of Hill City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Annette; three brothers, Paul, Earl and Ivan "Bus" Woods; two sisters, Maude Blackford and infant, Pearl Wood; and one great-grandson, Benjamin Schaben.

Survivors include two daughters, Frances Lee Ann Schaben of Seward and Marcia Annette Weiland of McPherson, eight grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren,

Funeral services will be Thursday, 10 a.m., at New Life Foursquare Gospel Church in McPherson, with the Rev. Chuck Baker officiating. Graveside services follow at 4 p.m., in the Hill City Cemetery, with military honors provided by members of the American Legion Post.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 3-7 p.m., with the family present from 5-7 p.m., at Glidden-Ediger Chapel in McPherson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Francis Lee "Bill" Wood Memorial Fund and can be sent to the funeral home at 222 West Euclid Street, McPherson, KS 67460.

Glidden-Ediger Chapel of McPherson is in charge of arrangements.