William Michael “Mike” Wood
William Michael “Mike” Wood was born December 23, 1943, in Albany, CA, to the late William Webster and Lavinia (Dake) Wood. He went to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 79. Mike and the former Ms. Marty Husband were married on April 27, 1979, and were blessed with 42 years of marriage, prior to her death on August 19, 2021.
Mike, better known as “Papaw,” grew up in Ada, where he graduated high school, receiving a scholarship to East Central University, that allowed him to pursue his love for football. After graduating from college in 1965, with a teaching and coaching degree, he moved to California to teach for a year. While in college, Mike set several records, many of which are held to this day. His passion for the sport of football, as well as his superior athletic abilities, granted him the prestigious honor of being inducted into the East Central Hall of Fame.
At the age of 17, Mike joined the National Guard. Later, on May 23, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on May 22, 1969, earning several service medals, as well as two Purple Hearts.
Mike was a devoted husband and grandfather. He loved his grandchildren fiercely and looked forward to watching them succeed and play sports. Mike was always close by to offer them his best advice. He enjoyed taking backroads to look for deer, having family dinners and watching football games and a good western movie.
Although Mike may have been a man of few words, to know him was to love him. If you knew him, you were blessed.
He leaves behind his granddaughter, Cassinda Newton and husband Jason, of the home; stepson, Lindell McDonald; grandchildren, Denny Boyd and wife Michelle of Davis, and Wilson, Bruno and Ava McDonald; great-grandchildren, Shania Maness, Hailey and Kylie Boyd, Dakota and Dezerae Newton, Cada and Jaylen Newton; great-great grandchildren, Olianna Newton, and Remi and Bexleigh Haslacker; brother, Eddie Wood and wife Carrie of Frisco, TX; sisters, Sue Roberson of Weslaco, TX and Judy Whittle of Aubrey, TX; sister in law, Kim Wood of Ada; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mike was preceded in death by his stepmother, Norma Wood; brother, Pat Wood; and grandson, Wendell McDonald.
Memorial services were held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at the Mill Creek Baptist Church, Mill Creek, with Pastor Ed Edington and Steve Dighton officiating.
Services are entrusted to Hale’s Funeral Home of Sulphur. Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.