David A. Wood

David Allen Wood, 71, of Battle Creek died peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Butterfly Oasis in Kalamazoo with his brother and sister-in-law by his side and with the support of the caring staff, Amber, Jenny, Jordan, Brianna, and the special directors, Lisa and husband, Don.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Thomas Wood, and his sister-in-law, Mary Wood. Surviving are his brother Michael Wood of Sterling Heights, MI and sister-in-law Susan Wood of Battle Creek, MI.; his nieces and nephews Jeremy, Marissa (Voke), and Bonnie (Lewis) Wood and Jason, Amy, and Kelly (Taylor) Gorny. He also leaves his special great nieces and nephews Madison Klemmer, Mariyanna, Maxwell, Marley, and Malachi Voke; Kaylynn and Oliver Wood; Sloane Lewis; and Reese and Tatum (arriving this summer) Taylor. In addition, Dave loved his visits with his great-great-nephew, Ezekiel Voke. 

Dave was born September 13, 1952, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Marion M. and Lena R. (Maddalena) Wood. He grew up in Battle Creek, attended St. Joseph Elementary and was a 1970 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central. During his high school years, “Woody” was honored as the Battle Creek City Athlete of the Year in 1969. He went on to earn an athletic scholarship to attend Grand Valley University for both football and basketball before honorably serving his country in the United States Army. After his service, he worked at the family business where he perfected his craft of installing carpet and tile. His lifelong friends – Ed, Brett, Lee, and Mike – were faithful to the end, always visiting him whether at home or the hospital.

He dearly loved and considered his nieces and nephews “his children” and doted on them whenever he had the chance. He would almost never miss an event in which any of them participated. David was fondly known as Uncle Pickles because of the gallon of dill pickles he would bring when he visited the Voke kids. Kaylynn and Oliver remember getting their own cup of snacks (Oreos, animal crackers, and the like) whenever he came to see them. Sloane was his “Sloane Ranger.” Mariyannna loved the smiley face cookies and donuts he would bring from Continental Bakery. Uncle Dave would make it a point to stop by Jeremy’s office when he came up to the Grand Rapids car show (promising to buy one of those cars once he won the lottery). Bonnie, who David affectionately called “Bones” or “Bony,” remembers lovingly the trips to Burger Shack (to get “a real burger”) whenever he visited her and Sloane in Virginia. It was during those visits that Dave most embraced the today’s technology as he listened to one of Sloane’s favorite books that included a recording of his mother reading it to her. He’d chuckle in amazement when it was done. The kids in his life could instantly pick out his gifts by his signature Sunday comics wrapping paper and they usually contained warm weather clothes, coats, hats, and mittens. At any large family gathering, he could usually be found in the kitchen doing the dishes so others could enjoy their time together. By the time the rest of the family was done eating, the kitchen was nearly clean! 

David’s annual country-wide trip (navigated with a paper map and gas station directions) was well-known among his family and friends and regularly took him to Sturgis (MI), Arizona, California, Texas, Virginia, and Washington state. It began near the first snowflake of winter but his exact date of arrival was a surprise. Regardless, his smile, love, and conversations were welcome by all he visited. 

Dave cherished his Italian/Polish heritage, was a true friend and caring family member, and was loved by those who knew him for "marching to his own drummer." He was not easily persuaded and stood his ground firmly. Mike and Sue can attest that there was no holding him back. He would do what he wanted to do. He also enjoyed the simpler things in life, regularly valuing his principles over material items. His generosity when it came to his gifts and talents will be remembered fondly by all who received them.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, where Fr. Patrick Murphy will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow in the St. Philip Parish Center. Interment for family will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations in David’s name may be given to Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Athletic Fund, 63 N. 24^th St., Battle Creek, MI 49015. 

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for Dave’s family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.