Edson E. Wood

WOOD, EDSON E. Age 94, of Cedar Park, Texas, passed from life on December 22, 2012, holding the hand of his loving daughter. Edson Earl Wood was born on January 11, 1918 in Greenville, Michigan to Dora and David Wood. He was their 7th child. He had four brothers and five sisters: Carrie Anderson, Bertha Hemingsen, Derwin (Dub) Wood, Agness Wilson, John Wood, Leslie Wood, June Grifhorst, Helen Bailey and Clarence Wood. While growing up during the depression, Edson helped the family working on local farms for a dollar a day, planting a garden and growing cabbages in the back yard, along with bullhead fishing and trapping skunk, weasels and if he was lucky, catching the occasional rabbit so they'd have meat for dinner that day. He was employed at The Greenville Flour Company and then just prior to World War II, started at Gibson Refrigerator in the spraying department as a machinist. Edson served for two and A½ years with the 9th Army Air Corp, during World War II. He was first stationed in August of 1942, in Iceland for fifteen months, then in Brighton, England and he was amongst the troops that landed at Utah Beach on June 16th, 1944, 10 days after the Allied invasion of France. They were stationed on the beach, then in Paris, before moving to Belgium at the end of the war and returning home. After the war, Edson returned to work at Gibson Refrigerator (White Consolidated Inc. now Electrolux), retiring in January, 1981. Edson married Irene Howe, his wife of 56 years, of Horton, Michigan on August 2, 1952. They made their home with her three sons, Dennis E. Howe, W. Daniel Howe and James R. Howe in Greenville and they completed their family with their daughter, ""Robin"" Irene H. Wood. In the 1980's, Edson and Irene moved to Jackson to be near family. Edson is survived by his children and their spouses, Linda Howe, Yvonne Howe, Susie Howe; at least 31 nieces and nephews, some of those close to him are Roseanne Kryzwada, Linda Larson, Bruce Anderson, Arnold Anderson, Shirley Higgins, Betty Wood, Dick Grifhorst, Elizabeth Moorehouse, Susie Schied, Kyle Allen, Gary Hanson, Judy McHugh, Michael Allen, Jeffrey Allen, Donnald Allen, Julia Caporusso, Genifir Lowe, Vern Allen, Darrell Allen, John Allen, Terese Hofhanesian, Dawn Ong, Duane Allen, Donnald Allen, Gerald Hauser; nine grandchildren, Bill Howe, Scott Howe, Mary Ann Wallace, Sally Fritterer, Debbie Robinson, Michele Alexander, Amy Howe, Mark Howe and Amber Howe; 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Edson is dearly loved and will be missed by his family and many others who he touched during his life. He was a good and gentle man, many called him sweet. He had an enduring love of nature, animals, fishing, gardening and farming often bestowing gifts from his garden to those he knew. He was a man who was always quietly there for his mother, brothers and sisters, his wife, daughter and sons. There were not many who he met that he that he did not charm and befriend with his generous and independent spirit. He gave many of us special memories that will be treasured. He will be missed and lovingly remembered. As was his request, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service celebrating his life will take place at the Community of Christ, 123 Marshall St., Jackson, Michigan 49202, on Saturday, January 19th, 2013 at 11:00am with Elder Stanley Price officiating.

Edson E. Wood

January 11, 1918 - December 22, 2012