Paul E. Wood

Paul Eugene Wood, 81, of Sedalia, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at EW Thompson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Sedalia.

He was born November 18, 1938, in Centertown, son of Gerald Kenneth and Leona Annabelle (Wise) Wood.

Paul worked as a heavy equipment operator in road construction for Howard Construction, and Twehous Construction during his career. One of his jobs included building the four-lane highway from Warsaw to Springfield. He was very dedicated to his work.

Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering with motors, dancing, gardening and anything else outside. In his later years, he enjoyed canning, cooking, and took up lapidary and making belt buckles and jewelry. He loved to travel and collect rocks for his new hobby. Most of all he loved following his children and grandchildren in their activities and was always found behind the camera taking many pictures.

Surviving are his love for many years, Carol Cowherd; two daughters, Loletta Combs (Kevin), of Sedalia, and Paula Handshaw (Mike), of Waldron, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Curtis Widner (Stephanie) of Bunceton, MO, Nicholas Combs (Lindsey), of Martin, Tennessee and Jacelyn Hejtmanek (Kyle), of Kansas City, MO; a step- great grandson, Caleb; a great granddaughter Raelynn; a brother, Kenneth Wood of Yakima, Washington; a sister, Janis Brandt (Earl) of Kansas City, MO; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; a granddaughter, Jessica; a sister-in-law, Esther; and a niece, Lisa; and nephew, Derrald.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Pastor Chance McMullin officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time at 11:00.

Burial will be in California Cemetery, California, MO, at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, Crossroads Hospice, or Center for Human Services.

Arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.