Donald G. Wood Sr. 1930-2025

He was born April 13, 1930, in Youngstown, to the late Lee Wood and Maude Wigle Wood. He was a 1949 graduate of Jackson Milton High School and 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 two-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 where he would retire. He was also a bus driver for the Austintown School System.

Donald married the love of his life, the late Elizabeth “Betty” Wood, on Oct. 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 Dec. 25, 2024.

Donald enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Betty, visiting all 50 states, and 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, Dan (Mimi) of Ravenna, Ed of Austintown and Dee of Stow; and his grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Lillian (Jake Emery), Isaac, Phoebe and Allison; and great-grandchildren, Ruth and Remi.

Donald was 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 10 a.m. to noon Monday, April 7, 2025, at Lane Funeral Home, Austintown, with a service to follow.

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