Russell Robert Wood

Russell Robert Wood, American Patriot, was born 7 September 1920 in Colton, California. He is the son of Roscoe Marion Wood, born Tuscola, Illinois and Myrtle Adelia Ackerman, born, Connecticut. His parents were married in Colton, CA. Myrtle died Jan. 1924 when he was four yrs old. He attended grammar school in Colton and Lake Arrowhead and graduated from Colton High School. He was married to Cecile Louise Dixon 4 July, 1943 and they had one son, Dennis Jay Wood. She died 14 May 1984.

He worked for San Bernardino County Road Dept. as Regional Superintendent of Green Valley Lake Area, the Lake Arrowhead Blue Jay region and later the Upland and Mt. Baldy region. He retired in February, 1977 and moved to Blue Jay, CA. Russ and Cecile moved to San Bernardino to care for her Mother. Currently, he lived in Highland, CA.

He was a kind and gentle man, a true American patriot. A Navy veteran of World War II, he served in the Pacific on the Battleship Nevada during the Battle of Okinawa and later on the YMS 285 Mine Sweeper in the Aleutians. He was an Army veteran of Korea while serving as cook for 140th tank Battalion near the Chosin Reservoir and many other locations.

Russ was very active in the American Legion Post 360 in the San Bernardino Mountains and twice served as its commander. He also held leadership positions in the American Legion at the District, State, and National levels. He was admired and respected by all who knew him.

He is survived by his only child, Dennis (Kathy) and their two sons, Col. Greg Wood, USAF (Kayra) and David Wood (Dorrie, MD), and five great-grandchildren.

Russ remarried widow, Jeanne Haines in June 1990. She has two daughters, grandsons and great-grand children. He is preceded in death by his only sister Marion Wood Easton Van Patten. Russ is also, survived by niece Kathryn and nephews Shannon and Daniel Ross (dec.) Van Patten and his cousin Beverly (Larry) Jett. Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Mike, you are greatly missed. We love you.

In memory of Russell R. Wood, donations may be made to American Legion Post 360, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 816, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352