Gerald E. Wood, 71, of 408 N. Spruce St., Monon, died at 9:20 a.m. Monday in Jasper Co. Hospital.  He had been in ill health for the past year.

He was born May 24, 1921, to Charles C. and Frieda M. Wineland Wood in Jasper County. He was married Sept. 17, 1947, to Dorothy M. McDonald in Monon, and she survives.

He was 1938 graduate of Monon High School and was a mechanic for Howard Implement Co. for 22 years.  He worked at Alloy Rods in Monticello for 17 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II.

He was a lifetime resident of  Monon, and was a member of the Monon United Methodist Church, the Eugene Hughes Post 319 of the American Legion and of the Monon V.F.W.

An avid sports fan, he helped start the Monon Little League program in Monon, managed Legion Baseball for many years, was the winner of the first annual Archie Shelton Legion Baseball Award in 1947. He served as a baseball umpire for many years. He also served on the Monon Town Council for five years.

Surviving besides his wife are 3 sons,  Gerald (Gerry) L. Wood, Monon; George B. Wood, Worthington; Gordon C. Wood, Lynville,  and two daughters; Gale L. of Mishawaka and Gina Becovitz, Indianapolis. He had 6 grandchildren.

Funeral services were at the Kellogg Funeral Home at 11 a.m. this morning with Rev. Roy Lee officiating. Cremation immediately followed the service.

Memorials may be given to the Monon United Methodist Church organ fund or Monon Park playground equipment fund.