Ronald Wood

RONALD BRUCE WOOD

Marion

Ronald Bruce Wood, 89, of Marion, died Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016. He was born Feb. 16, 1926, in Marion, the son of Charles and Daisy (Knapp) Wood.

Ron was drafted into the U.S. Army during World

War II on Oct. 20, 1944, and served in the Philippines and Occupied Japan until he was honorably discharged Nov. 21, 1946. Upon returning to Marion, he received his high school diploma from Marion High School on May 30, 1947. He met and ultimately married Thelma Taylor on Oct. 10, 1948. They were married for 60 years. Thelma died Dec. 2, 2008. Ron worked at Hawkeye Rubber Manufacturing, retiring after 43 years of service.

He was a lifelong member of Marion First United Methodist Church starting off on the "Cradle Roll."

Ron enjoyed fishing, watching college ball (especially the Iowa Hawkeyes), NASCAR racing (Jeff Gordon) and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. His greatest joy in life though, was his family.

Survivors include Ron's daughter, Kay (Dan) Ciha and their children, Jason (Lori) Ciha and Carrie (Ryan) Mitchell; son, Michael (Jo) Wood and their children, Brittainy (Josh) Davenport and Blair (Jillian) Wood; and daughter, Debbie Richardson and stepson, Tommy Richardson; great-grandchildren, Trevor, Allyson and Madelyn Ciha, Daniel and Kaden Mitchell and Jacob and Kelsey Davenport; brother. Neil (Eula) Wood; and sisters-in-law, Georgann Taylor and Mary Alida Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Thelma; brother, Myron Wood; sisters, Thelma Wood (died at age 2), Vera Shore, Irma Hotz and Madge King; and son-in-law, Leon Richardson.

Ron will be missed greatly by the family who loved him and the people who called him "friend." His gentle quiet ways will be remembered by those who knew him. May he now rest peacefully with the love of his life, Thelma.

The family will greet friends on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion from 4 to 7 p.m. and one hour before the service at the church. Services will occur on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. at Marion First United Methodist Church. Private burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Memorial Lawn section, in Cedar Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Marion First United Methodist Church in Ron's memory.

Ron's family would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to the dedicated, compassionate and caring staff at Hiawatha Care Center who became part of our family.

Please share a memory of Ronald at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.