BISON – Donald P. "Don" Wood, 83, died March 1 at the Edwards County Hospital in Kinsley. Born Oct. 3, 1927 in Denver, Colo., he was the son of Martin and Melinda (Sanders) Wood. A 34 year resident of Bison, moving from Larned, he worked in the dry cleaning business for more than 20 years and was employed by Essex in Hoisington for 13 years before his retirement. On July 16, 1977 he married Erma (Ficken) Shank at the United Methodist Church in Bison.

Mr. Wood was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Men’s Club, all in Bison.

Survivors include, his wife, Erma Wood of Bison; a step-daughter, Myra Lawrence, Mineral Wells, Texas; sister, Elizabeth "Liz" Shank of Haven; three step-grandchildren, Miranda Styborski, Christian Lawrence and Autumn Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Melinda (Sanders) Wood; his first wife, Carolyne (Huntsinger) Wood; a brother, Lloyd Wood; and a sister, Evelyn Blazek.

Cremation has taken place. The family will conduct a memorial service at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Bison or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral arrangements provided by*

Janousek Funeral Home

719 Pine

LaCrosse, KS 67548

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 3, 2011