Donald Francis Wood

He was born November 15, 1932, to John R. and Anah F. (Heskett) Wood in Des Moines, IA. He attended college at Drake University and eventually received an Honorary Degree from Ivy Tech Community College. Don served as a Corporal during the Korean War, and upon honorable discharge, he felt a yearning to “get after it” and quickly entered the workforce. Don began working as a journeyman toolmaker but his drive and desire for “more” inspired him to move into sales and management within the automation industry. Working for several manufacturers, Don enjoyed the hunt and the challenge of selling. Don married Barbara Sue on October 2, 1954, and together had three son’s (David, Doug, and John) and a daughter (Sue).

Inspired by vision, grit and hard work, Don became the founder of 80/20 Inc. with his son’s Doug and John. After the death of his wife Barbara, Don became more determined to build the business. 80/20 Inc. has become the number one T-slotted aluminum building system in the United States. For 30 years, Don drove the company to success and innovation. Don’s passion for people and manufacturing was the perfect blend for success.

Don married Darlene M. Richardson on June 19, 1999. Together they created the Donald F. Wood and Darlene M. Richardson Foundation. Additionally, Don was a board member of Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne, board member of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, board member of the Fluid Power Society, named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year, a “Go Whitley” Accelerating Innovation participant, Ivy Tech Community College Contributor of the year and, received the Junior Achievement Bel Award. Don later started the 80/20 Foundation Trust to fulfill his passion for helping others. Don enjoyed sailing, opera, classical music, and musicals. Don’s quick wit and infinite “Don-isms” brought fun, laughter and learning for many.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Sue (Kepler) Wood, his father John R. Wood; mother Anah F. (Heskett) Wood, his childhood care-giver Mona C. (Heskett), Brothers; Larry Wood and Al Gladson. Don is survived by his wife Darlene (Dar) M. Richardson; his four children David (Devera) of Fort Wayne, IN; Doug (Patty) of Fort Wayne, IN, John (Audrey) of Gull Lake, MI, and Sue Wood of Murrieta, CA; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; Step-Children: Michael Suever of California; Patrick (Lisa) Suever of Saint Joe, IN; Anne (Jim) Hudson of Grand Rapids, MI; Beth (Stu) Smith of Fenton, MI; and 4 step-grandchildren.

Family and business friends are invited to 80/20 Inc. in Columbia City, IN for a memorial gathering from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M on Thursday, April 4th. A short service will be held at 10 A.M. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 5th at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Wayne, IN. Calling is 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M., a service will be held at 10:00 A.M. and lunch immediately following at the Fort Wayne Country Club. Please send all flowers to 80/20 Inc. at 1701 S. 400 East, Columbia City, Indiana 46725. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.