Walter L. Wood

Walter L. Wood, 97 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Parkview Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Walter was born February 18, 1927, in Marlboro Ohio, the son of Archie and Ethelwynn Wood.

He spent his early years on the family dairy farm. While attending Atwater High School, Walter excelled at both football and basketball, once setting an Ohio state record by scoring 51 points in a single basketball game. Walter declined a college scholarship and left high school early to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Walter served in the Pacific Theater as a Seabee during WWII. For his service, he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal.

Walter married the love of his life, Nellie Kuceyeski, on April 25, 1953, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alliance, Ohio. They had three children; Jeffrey, Kevin and Kimberly. Walter was active in coaching them in a variety of sports for many years.

Walter began his career with the Pennsylvania Railroad as a Station Agent in Atwater. Promotions throughout his career took him to various cities including; Minerva, Waynesburg, Cambridge, Niles, and Sharon PA, finally landing in Fort Wayne, in 1977 as Field Terminal Supervisor. He retired from CONRAIL as the Area Manager in 1988 after a 40-year career with the railroad.

Walter was an avid golfer, bowler and enjoyed woodworking and gardening. He was a member of the VFW, Moose Lodge, Knights of Columbus, and Kiwanis Club. Walter has been a dedicated parishioner of the St. Charles Borromeo Church for more than 47 years. He loved polka dancing and traveling with Nellie. Domestic and international cruises, railroad trips, Seabees reunions and polka festivals allowed Walter and Nellie to see the world.

Walter is survived by his children; Jeffrey (Barbara) Wood of Marysville, Ohio, Kevin Wood of Barberton, Ohio, and Kimberly (Jack) Lundy of Orange Park, Florida; grandchildren; Elizabeth Wood, Jessica (Christopher) Costic, Stephanie Lundy (Thomas Brooks), Michael Lundy and great-grandchild, Thomas Walter Brooks. Walter was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Margaret Wilson and brothers, Arthur and Robert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am Thursday, December 19, 2024, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church 4916 Trier Rd. Fort Wayne, Indiana 46815. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm Friday, December 20, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Chapel in Alliance, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Walter & Nellie Wood Scholarship Fund at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School or the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, 404 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802.

Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes – Maplewood Park 4017 Maplecrest Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815. Fond memories may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.