Charles Freeman Wood

Charles Freeman Wood, 88, of Springfield, IL, died at 3:30 PM on Sunday, September 8. He was born in Peoria, IL, on Jan. 7, 1925, to Herbert B and Grace E. (Stein) Wood. He married Vivian Cruzan on Sept. 7, 1947, in Springfield. She preceded him in death in 2006.

He is also preceded in death by one brother and two sisters, his son Charles Freeman “Chip” Wood Jr. and a grandson. Surviving are 3 daughters, Susan Charlene Wood of Springfield, Vivian Sue “Vickie” Jones (Keith) of Maryville, IL, and Merilyn Beth Dunn (Fred) of Knoxville TN, a daughter-in-law Connie Wood, of Mackinaw, IL, 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Lanphier High School in 1943, he enlisted in the Navy and served during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters of Operation, receiving numerous ribbons with stars. After the war, he attended Springfield Junior College and Bradley University.

He worked for Allis-Chalmers/Fiat-Allis for 40 years, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Fiat-Allis Management Club, Fiat-Allis Salaried Retirees Club, and American Legion Post 32.

He served his Lord through West Side Christian Church, with service on the Board as both an Elder and a Deacon. He sang in the church choir and taught children in the Junior and Pre-school departments.

He enjoyed singing, beginning at age 6 with a solo at church. He sang bass at age 8 with his older brother’s quartet, and during high school, he was in the A Capella Choir, Boys and Mixed Ensembles and Glee Club. He sang in the Springfield Municipal Choir for many years.

Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield where visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Sunday, Sept. 15, with a funeral service led by Rev. Vaughn Beeman at 10:30 AM on Monday, Sept. 16, followed by interment at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy and the Interveterans’ Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or West Side Christian Church.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.