DONALD LANGFORD WOOD

Donald Langford Wood, 88, died peacefully at home in Spring, Texas on November 19, 2022 after a 27-year bout with prostate cancer. Don made a lasting impression on all who knew him because of his unassuming intellect, obvious faith and generous heart. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Don was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 31 ^st 1934; the son of Wiley Morgan Wood Sr. and Winifred Giles Wood, both deceased. His brother, Wiley Morgan Jr. and his sister, Gloria Lea Wood Case, are both deceased. Don graduated from Warren Easton High school in New Orleans and then attended Tulane University for his undergraduate degree.

After college he was drafted by the Army and served two years in Germany. Returning home after his discharge, he reconnected with a memorable young lady, Lucie Handley Fly of Jackson, Mississippi. Don and Lucie were married June 27, 1959. After the birth of their first child, Jim, the family moved to Detroit, Michigan, for Don to attend Wayne State University. There he earned his PhD in Chemistry, and their second child, Frances, arrived.

After graduation and a return to southern climate, Don (Who described himself as a "geek") was hired by Shell Chemical Company as a Research Chemist. The family became nomads for a few years, living in LaPorte, Texas; Walnut Creek, California, where their third child, Randy, came along; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and finally to Houston, Texas.

Don was with Shell from 1964 to 1993. After their retirement, just for variety, Don was a massage therapist for a few years. Don and Lucie also enjoyed traveling and visited many countries. At St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, he taught many classes, as well as served as a search committee member, a chalice, a vestry member, and a light to all who were fortunate to receive his wisdom.

Don was the ultimate family man, and his family always came first. He mentored junior Achievement groups and never missed a swim meet. He loved all types of music, enjoyed concerts and plays, and was an avid fan of baseball and football, cheering for The Houston Astros, The Houston Texans, and The New Orleans Saints.

In 2002, Lucie was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and was given six months to live. When she succumbed four years later in 2006, she and Don had been blessed to have 47 years together.

Don didn't socialize for a couple of years after Lucie's death and traveled alone. He began slowly coming back to church services and bible study class, Where Sue Fritz was also a member. Sue and the bible study facilitator went to lunch together each week before class. One week, they saw Don leaving the church at the same time and invited him to join them. He accepted and was soon the third member of their little lunch bunch. It wasn't too much longer until there was a proposal and a wedding.

Don and Sue ministered together by visiting St. Dunstan's Shut-Ins or those in hospital. They also enjoyed traveling. Don never saw a crossword he didn't like, and he read the newspaper cover to cover every day.

Hurricane Harvey flooded Dons home of 41 years. He never quite recovered from the shock of that event. His eyesight worsened until he was unable to do his crossword puzzles any longer, and reading the newspaper became a real challenge. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2020, an illness which would prove to be a difficult struggle. Don and Sue enjoyed thirteen wonderful years together.

Don is survived by his wife, Sue Beard Wood; his three children James Giles Wood and his wife, Robyn Velie Wood; Frances Winifred Wood; Randolph Handley Wood and his wife, Dung Nguyen Wood; his five grandchildren Kyle, Kelly, Wynn, My, and Lucy: one great grandchild, Jolene; five nieces, Sharon, Pat, Cindy, Linda, and Bonnie; and two nephews, Bill and Bob.

The Family requests that any memorial contributions be made to St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church.