George Earl Wood

Pocatello - George Earl Wood, 85, passed away Tuesday, evening April 12, 2011 at his home following an extended illness surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 31, 1925 in Burton, Idaho (near Rexburg) a son of Joseph H. and Ida Meyers Wood. He attended elementary schools in Rexburg and then attended two years of high school at Pocatello High and then two years at Inkom High where he graduated. He taught himself to fly and was a "Jack of all trades".

In October 1943 he joined the U.S. Navy and trained at the Naval Training Station at Farragut, Idaho and Jacksonville, Florida. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was honorably discharged in May 1946. He lived in Inkom from 1946 to 1953. Then moved to Sylmar, California from 1953 to 1970 where they raised their children. From 1970 to 1975 they lived in McLean, Virginia and from 1975 to 1997 in Medford, Oregon. They returned to Pocatello for good in 1997.

On July 2, 1946 he married Wanda "Anora" Chandler in Pocatello, Idaho. They met while attending Inkom High School. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Washington D.C. L.D.S. Temple. George loved his family and was a people person. He made friends easily and could talk to anyone. He thoroughly enjoyed life and loved all outdoor activities. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, friends and all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Anora Wood, Pocatello, Idaho; a son George Blair (Alicia) Wood, Thousand Oaks, California; 4 daughters, Nancy (Leonard) Scharf, Central Point, Oregon; Patty (Johnny) Crivello and Lorriane (Robert) Crivello, both of Tracy, California; Barbara (Craig) Hansen, Kanab, Utah; a brother, Arlen (Faye) Wood, West Lake Village, California; 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the Rapid Creek Ward Chapel (new building) with Bishop Jason Bransford of the Pocatello 52nd Ward officiating. Interment will be in the Inkom Cemetery with military graveside rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12:00 noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave..

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