Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

Larry Dale Wood of Burbank, 87, passed away January 12, 2025, after a lifetime of devotion to family, farming and teaching.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna (Hartman) Wood, and his children, Larry Duane (Michelle) Wood and Kellie (Andy) Mullet. An infant daughter, Denise, preceded him in death. He greatly enjoyed his grandchildren Peyton (Zach) Mullet Sidel, Hunter Mullet, Wyatt Wood and great granddaughter Rilynn Sidel.

Larry was born in Lodi, Ohio to Dale and Doris (Brinkerhoff) Wood on July 30, 1937. His brother, Lee (Sherry) Wood survives.  Larry attended school in Burbank, and graduated from Norwayne High School in Creston.  Following in his father’s footsteps, he obtained a Barber license. He then parlayed his barber skills to pay for an education at The Ohio State University, graduating with an Agricultural Education degree.  While at Ohio State, Larry lived in the Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity House where he made lifelong friends and memories.  Larry met Donna Hartman back home at a Northwestern High School square dance and they married on March 20, 1960.

Larry taught in the Wadsworth City School District beginning with jr. high and then high school machine/metal shop and drafting, where he taught useful skills and life lessons, and fondly recalled antics from “that end of the building.” A hard worker, Larry simultaneously was a teacher and farmer, operating Lee-Lar Farm with his brother.  While school was in session, Larry would generally milk cows in the morning leaving just enough time to shower, grab breakfast, and drive to school. After school he would begin the evening milking.  Summers off were much more relaxed with just milking, farming, and milking. Larry loved farming and after operations transitioned to Mullet Farms, continued working on the farm with Andy as long as he was physically able.

Larry was also civic-minded.  He was a Boy Scout leader, served on the Landmark Board, was involved in District 7 Holsteins, served on the Tri-County School Board, and was involved in the Wayne County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. As a member of the Ikes, he served as president, long-term board member, firewood cutting and splitting crew member, and equipment maintenance guy.

Larry enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends.  Many Lake Erie walleye fell to his Erie Dearie or Hot-N-Tot with a night crawler from the garden.  Rice Lake, Ontario was also a favorite fishing destination. In retirement, Larry and Donna traveled, experiencing snowmobiling in Yellowstone, canoe camping in the Boundary Waters, and paddle wheeler boat trips on the Columbia, Mississippi, and Ohio Rivers as well as visits to Holden Beach. After the travel bug wore off, Larry and Donna spent time on Charles Mill Lake at their cabin on South Point Peninsula, enjoying pontooning, fishing, and entertaining family and friends.

Calling hours for Larry are Wednesday, January 22 from 5:00-7:00 pm. at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St, Wooster. A private family service will take place at a later date.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers from Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare, Wooster who made Larry’s final days as comfortable as possible. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ohio’s Lifecare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691 or the Izaak Walton League, Wayne County Chapter, 4491 Mel Lane, Wooster, Ohio 44691.

Online condolences may be directed to www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.

9 Comments

  1. Deepest sympathies to the family…

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  2. So Sorry about Larry. Knew him D.T.S. in Columbus.

    Marcus and Sharleen Sigler

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  3. Larry was my roommate at DTS. He was very dedicated to study and helped me be more dedicated.

    Dave and Sonja Tugend

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  4. Sending our sympathy and prayers to Donna and the family. We graduated with Larry at Norwayne High School in 1955 and he was Class President.

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  5. Duane and Michelle, so very sorry for your loss!

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  6. Sending our deepest sympathy to you, Donna, and the family. As a former Burbank girl, I remember your family well. And I know dad has done many of years of business/farming with your family.
    May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

    Julie Daugherty Craycraft
    Lavon Daugherty

    Reply
  7. Lee and Sherry, our prayers are with you.

    Reply
  8. I go way back with Larry – in 1950 Larry & Lee camped with our Lodi Boy Scout Troop for a week at Camp Manatoc. Great young men! Larry & I rode with Dick Indoe to OSU a few times in 1957/58. Larry got me involved with the Tri-County ESC and with the Wayne County Career Center Boards in 1998 (which was a special time for me). I was Norwayne Jr. High Counselor when Duane was in 7th grade – I even coached his basketball team. Sister Kellie was our cheerleader. I have enjoyed seeing them “here and there” since then.

    Reply
  9. Our deepest sympathies to your family. Prayers lifted for peace and comfort in the upcoming days.

    Rob and Stacey Ludington

    Reply

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