Alan B. Wood

Alan Barry Wood passed away on January 23, 2016 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa at the Henry County Health Center. He was born July 9, 1937 in Fayette County, Indiana to Walter James Wood and Mary Jeanette (Burcham) Wood. He graduated from Whittier Union High School in Whittier, CA, and earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from California Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA. He joined Goodyear Tire Rubber Co. and worked for 33 years as an engineer and technical manager with assignments in Los Angeles, CA, Akron, Oh, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Mt Pleasant, IA, Logan, OH and St. Mary's, OH before retiring in Mt. Pleasant, IA. Alan enjoyed travel with his wife and family to many places, including Japan, Europe, Alaska and frequent trips across the US to see family and friends. He was a member of Mensa, in recent years mentoring others. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Kiwanis and supported the Mt. Pleasant Library for many years. An avid, lifelong learner, he was intrigued by genealogy and gathered significant data for his family. His passion to share his knowledge was a gift to others, and we are grateful for his generosity. His love for family is evident in the bonds created by all who love him. Survivors include his wife, Beverly (Foss), married February 2, 1980 in Mt. Pleasant, IA; oldest brother, Don (Whittier, CA) and youngest sister, Ronda (Whittier, CA); and sons, Barry (Portland, OR), Dennis (San Diego, CA), Sean (Cincinnati, OH); and stepchildren Mike Garrow (La Gange, IL), Michael Murphy (Wallingford, VT), Steven Murphy (Mt. Pleasant, IA), Maryann Glass (Mt. Pleasant, IA), Sally Murphy (Jerome, AZ) and Alesia Murphy (Trinidad, CO). He cherished 9 grandchildren, Ryan, Luann, Alea, John, Mariah, Loren, Alexander, Charlie and Samuel. He adored his 9 great-grandchildren, Haley, Nikolai, Zoe, Simon, Audrey, Zane, Connor, Dimitri and Easton. Preceding in death were his parents and sisters, Patricia Hoskins and Rita Davis. While his physical presence will be missed, we can all rest assured he is our constant mentor and friend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Friends of Mt. Pleasant Library, 307 E. Monroe Street, Mt. Pleasant, IA, 52641 with a notation in memory of Alan Wood on your check. The library was a source of great knowledge and entertainment for both he and Beverly. On line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com