Raymond D. Wood

Raymond Dale Wood, age 91, of Louisburg, Kansas passed away September 2, 2016 surrounded by his wife and family. Raymond was born December 11, 1924 seven miles southeast of Louisburg, Kansas. He was the third and last child of James and Theresa Wood. Raymond"s father died when he was 10 years old. His brother, Chester, had died previously and that left Raymond"s mother and Raymond"s older brother, Lester Wood, to provide for the family. Raymond attended Louisburg High School where he played sports. He met Dorothy Stone during his freshman year of high school with both graduating in 1943. Raymond and Dorothy Stone were married June 19, 1943 and have been married 73 years. Shortly after, in 1944, Raymond was inducted into the Army at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. After completing basic training he reported to Fort Ord in California and assigned to duty in the South Pacific. He spent many days on a boat to the South Pacific going to New Guinea then on to Leyte. He joined the 96th Infantry Division of the 381st Regiment, Company G in Leyte. Raymond was shipped to Okinawa where he saw action in the invasion of Okinawa, Kakazu Ridge and Sawtooth Ridge. During the invasion, he and three fellow soldiers were isolated from their company by machine gun and sniper fire for four days and three nights on the rocky cliffs of the highest ridge in Okinawa. They fought off the attacks until they were able to rejoin their unit. Following his military service, Raymond worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company for 37 years. He made many friends through Panhandle Eastern Pipeline and most have predeceased him. He retired in 1983 and spent his retirement years gardening, fishing, playing pitch with family and working around the house. He also enjoyed listening to country music at local venues. Raymond was a life-time member of the American Legion Post 250 Color Guard. He attended and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Louisburg, Kansas. As an American Veteran of World War II, he was delighted when the Honor Flight Program paid tribute to him by flying him to Washington, D.C. to view the World War II Memorial. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Chester Wood and Lester Wood. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Wood, of the home; two daughters, Donna Lee (David) and Tamara Thompson (David); two sons, Jim Wood (Sandy) and Ron Wood (Judy); seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post 250, The Alzheimer"s Association or the Immaculate Conception Church of Louisburg, KS. To share your memories of Raymond or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Share Memories button above. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 606 S. Elm Louisburg, KS Service: Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 10:00am Visitation: Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm