Obituary of Mervin Ray Wood

Mervin R. Wood Newton Funeral and Masonic Services for Mervin Wood, will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2009 at the Pence~Reese Funeral Home in Newton. A visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the services Friday, 9 until 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In LIEU of flowers: Memorials in Mervin's name are being designated; or to the Charity of your choice. Mervin Ray Wood, 83, the son of Joel Chester "Tob" and Ruth Ann (Rankin) Wood, was born May 16, 1925 in Cameron, Clinton County, Missouri. He attended school in Missouri, and later served his country with the US Navy, during World War II. On October 7, 1957, Mervin was united in marriage with Jean LaDon Peterson in Newton, Iowa. He was employed as an auto mechanic, retiring after 50 years as heavy equipment operator for International Union of Operating Engineers. He had devoted his life to his family and friends, and was a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge #59 AF&AM. He was also a member of the Shriner Moila Temple-St. Joseph, MO; Ancient Order of Camel Herders #45 in St. Joseph; Scottish Rite of Free Masonry; Royal Arch Mason Sedalia Chapter #18 RAM; International Union of Operating Engineers Local #10; Newton American Legion Post #111; Newton Raceway Hall of Fame; Knoxville Raceway Hall of Fame; and Newton Stock Car Association, past president executive board, for 5 years. Mervin died on Tuesday evening, May 5, 2009 in the Monarch Wing of Skiff Medical Center in Newton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jean on Nov. 11, 2000; and a brother Leon C. Wood. Those left to honor Mervin's memory include his brother Elvin O. Wood of Canadian, OK; his sister Rosalie (Rudy) Bowe of Gresham, OR; his sister-in-law Veda Wood of Norcatur, KS; his nieces and nephews; and many great neighbors and friends. Rev. Merle Smith, Chaplain of Skiff Medical Center officiating. Burial will be in Newton Union Cemetery, Newton on Friday