03-04-2025
Donald George Wood, Sr., Austintown, Ohio
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Donald George Wood, Sr., 94 of Austintown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2025.
He was born in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Lee Wood and Maude (Wigle) Wood on April 13, 1930.
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He was a 1949 graduate of Jackson-Milton High School.
He went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. He was certified as an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic, working on early fighter jets and with trainers on the F-84, F-94, and T-33, and because of this, he was often called on to ride in the back seat of the early 2-seated jets during post maintenance test flights. During his time in the military, Don would earn the Occupation Medal and the Soldier's Medal, which is the highest honor awarded for an act of valor in a non-combat situation and left the Air Force with the rank of Tech Sergeant.
After his time in the military, Donald went on to become a machinist for United Engineering/Wean United, from which he would retire and was also a bus driver for Austintown School System.
Donald married the love of his life, the late Elizabeth 'Betty' Wood, on October 30,1954 with whom he would raise four children and spend 70 years together, creating a life full of love and memories before her passing on December 25, 2024.
Donald enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Betty, having visited all 50 states, spending time at the cottage on the lake in Canada which was built by his father-in-law, George Cox. Don and Betty would take afternoon drives in order to explore Ohio and had no destination in mind. Don would also earn his private pilot license and would fly from Youngstown Elser Airport in the 60s and take his children for rides. The adventure of flying was caught by two of his sons who later would also earn their private pilot license and would fly from the same airport.
Donald's memory will be carried on by his four children, Don (Kathy) of Salem, Ohio, Dan (Mimi) of Ravenna, Ohio, Ed of Austintown and Dee of Stow, Ohio; his grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Lillian (Jake Emery), Isaac, Phoebe and Allison and great-grandchildren, Ruth and Remi.
Donald is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his brothers, Wilfred (Woody), Lee (Bud) and William and sisters, Phyllis (Dugan) and Marjorie (Kish).
Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Monday, April 7 at Lane Family Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, with a service to follow.
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