L. Reynald Wood
July 10, 1902-Dec. 18, 1998
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, December 19, 1998, page 2, col. 1-2, microfilm Niles District Library
Funeral services for L. Reynald Wood, 96, formerly of Topinabee Road, Niles, will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Rev. Dr. Ronald H. Wakeman of First Presbyterian Church presiding.
Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.
Wood died Friday at 8:07 a.m. at Lakeland Medical Center, Niles, of natural causes.
The lifelong Niles resident was born July 10, 1902 to Jay Walter Wood and Alta E. Rice in Niles.
On Aug. 22, 1922 in Dowagiac, he married the former Margaret Cuddy. She preceded him in death June 5, 1985.
Survivors include: a son, J.C. Wood of Marco Island, Fla.; grandsons Robert Wood and Terrence Wood, both of Niles; great-grandson Eric Wood of Niles and great-granddaughters Jennifer Wood of Niles and Bethany Wood of Marco Island.
Wood attended Niles High School, Culver Military Academy and the University of Michigan. He joined the family business, the Niles Steel Tank Company in the early 1930s, becoming the corporation's secretary/treasurer.
He was a long-time supporter and participant in local sports. He pitched for the famed Niles Elks Traveling Baseball Team in the 1930s and recorded the first perfect game in sectional play.
In 1937, Wood helped found and became president of the Pickwick Club. At his death, he was the oldest living member of the founding group.
He was a former trustee and past president of the former Pawating Hospital board, now Lakeland Health System, Niles.
He had also served as director of the First National Bank of Southwestern Michigan, now Old Kent Bank.
Wood was a former member and president of the Orchard Hills Country Club board of directors and was a life member of the B.P.O. of Elks Lodge 1322, Niles.
Wood also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Friends may call one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to B.P.O. of Elks Lodge 1322, Niles.