Robert Justin Wood
Robert “Bob” Justin Wood, a great storyteller and very talented man, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Bob, 92, of Charlotte was born on July 16, 1932 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Thomas and Agnes Fern (Arnold) Wood. Bob married Karen Sederlund on July 16, 1966.
Bob grew up quickly; having lost his father when he was 12-years-old he quit school soon afterwards and was granted a hardship driver’s license at age 13. He worked three different jobs to help support his mother and younger siblings; he instilled this same work ethic and sense of responsibility in his children. Feeling that education is important he later finished his education and eventually worked for the State of Michigan as a surface water quality investigator, where he retired from the DNR in 1994.
Never a dull moment with Bob, his interests and hobbies were many, including antique tractor and car restoration, antique clock restoration, fishing, hunting, gardening, nurturing fruit trees, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. He passed down the enjoyment of many of his favorite pastimes to his children.
Bob and Karen owned a cabin within the Chippewa River Vista, where they could often be found over holidays and weekends enjoying and hosting family and friends. Bob loved all things nature and out-of-doors related.
Bob never slowed down after retirement, he loved to be busy and had an excellent work ethic. His religion was very important to him, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Charlotte where he enjoyed serving on numerous committee positions and special projects. He was also a lifelong member of the Kalamo Masonic Temple, a 3rd Degree Mason.
Antique tractor and car restoration was a passion, including the restoration of his 1941 Farmall BN, purchased in 1950 at the age of eighteen. He was a member of the Central Michigan Two-Cylinder Club. Bob and Karen enjoyed numerous trips in the MGB convertible that he diligently restored. Eventually, Bob and Karen started spending winters in Florida, making Englewood their home away from home where they quickly made new friends and became regular members of the Englewood Church of the Nazarene.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Karen; children, Mike Wood, Sherry Wood Copenhaver, Dana Wood, Terry Wood, and Jon (Kim) Wood; grandchildren, Troy (Tonya) Pitcher, Shawn (Mike) Miller, Kristine Latchaw, Mark (Laura) Wood, Ashton (Chelsey) Wood, Brennon Wood (engaged to Paige Bird), Alexus (Joe) Wood-Anzaldua, Brooke Wood (engaged to Nick Burzycki), Jordan Wood, and Katelyn Wood; 21 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; sister, Lorna (Wood) Crawford; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, JulieAnna Wood; son, Matthew Wood; grandsons, Randy Pitcher and Skylar Wood; siblings, Dennis Wood, Larry Wood, Pauline (Wood) Webster, Sam Wood, and Thomas Wood Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, March 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, March 20, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Bob’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church Jamaican Mission Trips. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.