Jan. 16, 1934— March 22, 2014

William Melbor Wood, 80, of Cassopolis, died at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Ind. following an extended illness.

He was born on Jan. 16, 1934, in Aledo, Ill. to Clarence Melbor and Ethel Minerva (Marsh) Wood. He was graduated from the former Broadview Academy (BVA) a Seventh-day Adventist high school in La Fox, Illinois and attended the former Emanuel Missionary College (now Andrews University) at Berrien Springs, Mich. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served five years during peacetime.

Bill was a carpenter all of his life. He had completed several major projects, including a church building – from foundation to roof and interior — for an Adventist congregation in Colorado, several homes in Sedona, Ariz., and several builds in Alaska.

In Niles, he had been employed for many years by Enders & Longway Builders. By years of practice, proficiency in all disciplines, and quality of workmanship, he was a master of his craft.

He was a member of the Niles Westside Seventh-day Adventist Church. His faith guided his avocations: Maintaining a fruit and vegetable garden, reading religious literature and hiking.

He was first married on Feb. 26, 1956 to the former Martha Ingram. Later, on Feb. 13, 1971 in Sedona, Ariz. he married the former Darlene F. Townsend with whom he celebrated last month the 43rd anniversary of their wedding.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Wood. Also surviving are his children, Natalie (Bob) Bruner of Niangua, Miss., Pamela (Rick) Livingston of Enid, Okla., Teresa (Rick) Herron of Alexis, Ill., Jeanne Johnston of Azle, Texas, Jason Wood of Cassopolis, Dustin Wood of Niles, Breanna Wood of Niles, and Brooklyn Wood of Cassopolis; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; Bill’s sister, Marie (Ron) Catlin of Dayton, Ore.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers who died during childhood.

Services for William Wood will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the Niles Westside Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor William E. Dudgeon officiating. The service will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Navy Honor Guard. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Contributions in memory of Bill Wood may be made to Amazing Facts, POB 1058, Roseville, CA 95678; or to the Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), POB 220, West Frankfort, IL 62896. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com