Glenn Richard Wood

Glenn Richard Wood, aged 88, entered into his eternal reward on August 14, 2017 while in residence at the Silverado Scottsdale Memory Care Community. Born on his family’s farm in Brooklyn, Iowa on April 27, 1929, he was the youngest of three to Otis and Alice (née Egulf) Wood. Glenn’s horizons first broadened from life on the farm with enlistment in 1950 during the Korean Conflict. Choosing the U.S. Navy in lieu of assignment by draft, his service took him to Alaska and Guam, exposed him to the horrors of war, and made him a witness of history with the testing of the nuclear bomb before his honorable discharge in 1954. While based in San Diego, Mr. Wood met Miss Jo Ann Lewis at church. They married at that church on May 27, 1955 and celebrated their union for 62 years. Glenn valued work, education, and community service — often pursuing all three simultaneously. While employed at a financial institution, he attended San Diego Community College. When an employment opportunity beckoned in Phoenix, Arizona, Glenn, Jo Ann and their newborn daughter set out for what would become their permanent home of 58 years. As a returning student, Glenn attained his degree in Business Administration at Arizona State University at night following days in the office at Carnation Dairy. Recruited by Farmers Insurance Group, Glenn was a contracted agent before quickly advancing to district manager. His 28 years with the company afforded many young men and women all the skill sets needed for their own careers as insurance agents. It was their success that was his cherished legacy. Given Glenn’s endeavors in commercial office development, dedicated service to the North Phoenix Lions Club (50 years!) time volunteered at Phoenix VA Hospital, and varied service to his church community, he had felt retirement was deserved and appropriate. “Leave something on the plate for the next guy” was his refrain. Glenn then had more time to indulge his passion for tournament chess, travel with his love Jo Ann (they circled the globe twice!) and reading. It wasn’t long, however, before his talents of financial advising pulled him out of “idleness” and into a new and final venture with his own name on the letterhead: Wood Capital Investments. In addition to his wife Jo Ann, Glenn is survived by his children Diane Hurley (John) of Phoenix, AZ; Kenneth Wood (Darlene) of Chino Valley, AZ; granddaughter Chelsea Karr (Tristan) of Peoria, AZ; his adored great-granddaughter Madison Karr as well as nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his siblings Margaret Anderson and Everett Wood, both of Iowa. Family and friends are invited to a service in memory of Glenn at 10:30A.M. on Thursday, August 31st, 2017 at First Christian Church, located at 6720 N 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory for his service work on behalf of North Phoenix Lions Club, 300 W Clarendon #240, Phoenix, AZ 85013. Arrangements entrusted by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.