Edward J. Wood, Sr., age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at UChicago Ingalls in Harvey. Formerly of Northlake, and previously of Lebanon Ohio, Homewood and Country Club Hills Illinois.

Eddie, also known as "Woody," is survived by his two children, Lori Wood and Edward (Karen) Wood Jr.; his grandchildren Joseph Wood, Kaylee Wood, Raymond Heicher, Timothy Heicher, and Melissa Heber; his great-grandchildren Colt Wood, Jesse Beauchamp, and James Castle; his siblings Louise Wood-Markasovic, Harry (Judy) Wood, and Larry Wood; and his nieces and nephews Jacque (Wood) Mendlik, Brian, Kenny, Carolyn (Wood) Meltzer, Frank Markasovic, Sr., Dana Wood, Jillian (Wood) Huff, John Markasovic, and Paula Markasovic.

Preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Sr. and Louise (nee Mercer) Owczarski-Wood, his step-father Frank Owczarski, and his faithful Dachshund canine companion, "Rufus."

Edward served our country at Sheppard AFB Texas, Kadena AFB, and Okinawa, Japan for 2 years, fulfilling his call to duty at Ellsworth AFB with the 821st Combat Support Group as Airman First Class (A1C) a pre-Vietnam logistics analyst of Strategic Air Command, and a member of multiple American Legions.

A programmer analyst all his life, Ed worked several years for Boeing Airlines and Graphic Image Corp. Edward also owned and operated his own company, EJW d/b/a Directory Center, where he contracted with many US publishers in typesetting of industry directories.

Mr. Wood was a dutiful public servant as an alderman, Lions Club and Jaycees member. Ed enjoyed fishing, camping, league bowling, and golf. He most enjoyed travelling with the Coachman RV Club and made many friends doing so.

He is remembered by many while coaching the Meteors girls softball teams, organizing carnivals and jamborees. Many pool and pizza parties are stamped in his loved ones' memories!

Visitation for Edward will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 9:30 am until 11:30 am at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, Manhattan. Funeral service will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m., also at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will take place the same day at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL, at 12:30 pm. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.