Charles Wood Obituary

Wood
CHARLES "CHARLIE" WOOD
October 26, 1930
November 16, 2018
Charles "Charlie" Wood, age 88. Devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Bro-ther and Friend was called to Heaven by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, November 16, 2018 in Colorado Springs, CO.
He was born October 26, 1930 in Liberal, KS, the eldest child of Charles Austin & Evelyn Delores Wood.
As a child, Charlie moved with his parents to Albuquerque and then later to Roswell, NM. He started working at a young age, learning the value of frugality, ingenuity, hard work and self reliance.
Charlie worked at Furr's Supermarkets in Roswell which sent him to Brownfield, TX on a temporary assignment, where he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Miller on January 20, 1951.
Charlie was drafted into the Army shortly afterward and trained at Fort Bliss, TX, and Camp Roberts, CA, then served 14 months in Korea. He was fortunate enough to retain his job with Furr's after the war and moved to Albuquerque, NM with the company.
After four years Charlie was offered a promotion to move to Denver, CO as a supervisor. When his company sold a number of years later, he was presented with a new opportunity in wholesale produce in Colorado Springs with Joslyn Fruit Co. His next opportunity came with Shamrock Foods, and then he assisted starting a new company, Federal Foods. After many years, he finished his retail food career at Fresh Express, retiring from there in 1992.
In the early 70's Charlie purchased a Winnebago and participated in their club activities by volunteering his services as President and in other areas. He loved to travel to the mountains with the group to ride snowmobiles in the winter and motorcycles/four wheelers in the summer.
Always the entrepreneur, Charlie decided he needed a new hobby after retirement and purchased a chili roaster. He became known as the "Chili Man" at Farmers Markets at Memorial Park, Acacia Park, Doherty High School, and Woodland Park.
In 1999 the Lord led Charlie and his wife, Shirley, to Radiant Assembly of God where they learned about a program called, Mission America Placement Service (MAPS). For 3 years they traveled in their motorhome to TX, FL, AZ, TN and CO to assist with various projects and remodels of small churches and organizations such as Teen Challenge. It was a delightful experience working with Christian volunteers that are still good friends. Charlie enjoyed helping others and volunteered for Silver Key, Mercy's Gate and served as a greeter in his church.
Woodworking was Charlie's favorite hobby. With endless creativity, he'd think/dream about a project at night and build it in his garage workshop the following morning. He made woodcarvings, crosses, wooden painted toys and other wooden items over the years but his signature craft became unique birdhouses, no two ever the same. He numbered and signed each house, selling nearly 2600 at Farmers Markets and consignment stores over the years. One of his favorite greetings to customers was "Wood is my name, woodworking is my game."
Charlie was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by everyone.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley, his devoted children, Daughter Margie Wood; Son & Daughter-in-law, Gary & Cyndy Wood of Colorado Springs, CO; Daughter & Son-in-law Carla & Ted Benson of Hamilton, MI; Grandchildren Chad Benson, Christa (Mark) Geurink and great grand children Andrew, Caleb, Brayden & Kaitlyn of Holland, MI.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held January 12, 2019 at 11:00 am at Friendship Assembly 3685 New Center Point Colorado Springs CO 80922.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be sent to your favorite charity, Friendship Assembly Missions, or Teen Challenge P.O. Box 251 Midland, TX 79702.