Edward WOOD Obituary

WOOD, Dr. Edward Howe, USAF Colonel (Ret), age 86, of Colorado Springs, CO, formerly of Lake Worth, FL, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2021. He was born in Beckley, WV to Dr. Edward William, and Katherine Lacey (nee Johnston) Wood, relocating to south Florida in 1943. A graduate of Lake Worth (FL) High School in 1952, and a 1960 graduate of the Medical School at the University of Florida, Gainesville, with a specialty in internal medicine, later trained in cardiology.
After a year of intern rotations at Grady Memorial (Atlanta), he joined the Air Force. Ed served with distinction, during an active-duty career spanning 1961 - 1984, both at home and abroad. His exceptional service saw him receive the Meritorious Service Medal twice, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal for Valor in flight. He was proudest of the Air Medal he received early in his career while supporting Irish Soldiers, in a combat environment, during a joint effort with the United Nations in the Belgian Congo. From 1973-1978 he served as the Chief of Medical Services at the United States Air Force Academy, CO. It was during this time he fell in love with the mountains, the cool air, and the lifestyle of the mountain west. After his retirement, he settled in Colorado Springs and built his home in Woodmen Valley. From 1984-86 he worked in private practice, then found his second calling as the Director of Medical Services for the VA in Southern Colorado from 1986 - 2002. For the next ten years he volunteered as a visiting physician for Pikes Peak Hospice. An avid Air Force Football fan and season ticket holder since the early 1970's, dad would joke that while most peoples' blood is red, his was clearly Air Force blue with glints of silver!
He is survived by his three children, USAF Col. (Ret) Stephen E. "Steve" and Cindy (Eppich) Wood, of Mesa AZ; daughter Mary E. "Beth" Ketel and son William E. "Bill" Wood, both of Denver; and his brother, William S. & Judie Wood, of Jupiter, FL, and their family far and wide. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, USAF Colonel (Ret) Judith Marie (Hoyt) Wood, in 2015. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved Judy at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver CO.
We would be remiss to not mention the family he found over the past 30 years at Village Seven Presbyterian Church where he was an active member up to his death. As much a local family to Ed and Judy as his children, we are forever appreciative of what they gave to, and what they were given by, their Village Seven family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held June 10th, 2021, 2pm, at Village Seven Presbyterian Church, 4040 Nonchalant Circle S., Colorado Springs, CO.
Our father was the most charitable man we've ever met, and we wish to carry that forward with a special request, as we know he surrounded himself with giving friends and family. If desired, donations may be made to either the American Heart Association or Pikes Peak Hospice, two organizations that both Ed and Judy belonged to and cared deeply about. Condolences can be made through www.swanlaw.com on his memorial page.