In Memory
Dan Harris Wood
September 02, 1935 - January 15, 2026
Dan Harris Wood, 90, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of a family he spent a lifetime building, protecting, and cherishing. Dan lived a full, vibrant, and deeply meaningful life, one marked by hard work, laughter, sacrifice, and a kind of love that asked for nothing in return. His presence was large, his voice unmistakable, his humor legendary, and his heart immeasurable.
Dan was born on September 2, 1935, in Lauderdale County, Alabama, to Bert Wood and Luttell (Robertson) Wood. Raised in a time when you learned the value of work early and family meant everything, Dan carried those lessons with him throughout his entire life. From a young age, he understood responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of showing up, principles that shaped the man he became and the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather his family adored.
Dan graduated from Clay High School in 1954.
One of the most defining moments of Dan’s life was meeting the love of his life, Kay F. Cooper. Their story began in an unexpected and almost humorous way, on a double date with Kay’s best friend, Helen Ford. That particular pairing didn’t quite work out, but something far more meaningful did. Dan found himself falling in love with Kay, who at the time was dating one of his friends. Love has a way of finding its path, and theirs was undeniable. On July 29, 1954, Dan and Kay were married, beginning a partnership that would last more than 53 years. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, discipline, and devotion. Kay was the steady anchor to Dan’s boundless energy, and when she passed on August 5, 2007, Dan never stopped loving her. She remained forever present in his stories, his memories, and his heart.
Dan was many things: outgoing, loud, rambunctious, stubborn, generous, fiercely loyal, and endlessly loving. He was known for his jokes, earning the unofficial title of “dad joke technician”, and he rarely missed an opportunity to make someone laugh, even if the joke made everyone groan. At work, his nickname was “Grouchy,” a label he embraced with humor and pride. So much so, that his wife once set up his email account under that very name. While he could certainly live up to the nickname if pushed too far, earning him the family warning of “don’t make Dad mad,” those who truly knew him understood that behind the gruff exterior was a man who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation.
Dan was a tireless worker, known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. He started his own refrigeration repair business and poured everything he had into it. Work was not just a job to him, it was a responsibility and a point of pride. He worked long, exhausting hours, sometimes staying up for two or three days straight to get the job done. He often brought his children along on late-night service calls, not just because he needed help, but because he believed in teaching by example. Those long nights, riding along and working beside him, became lessons in grit, commitment, and resilience. Dan believed in earning what you had and taking care of your own, and he lived that belief every day of his life.
Despite how hard he worked, Dan always made time for others. He helped anyone who needed it, often to his own detriment, never expecting anything in return. His love and generosity were unconditional. He held office at the Moose Lodge, was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and coached baseball for the Northside Little league, giving his time freely to his community and to young people who benefited from his guidance and presence.
Family was everything to Dan. He loved his children deeply and expected a lot from them, but no one ever doubted that his love was unwavering. As a grandfather, he truly shined. He loved playing ball with his grandkids, roughhousing, teasing, and letting them climb all over him. When anyone worried they might be bothering him, his response was always the same: “No, no, don’t touch them…they’re good.” Grandchildren slept wherever they landed around Grandpa, wrapped in safety, warmth, and unconditional love.
One of Dan’s greatest joys was the family cabin homestead in Waterloo, Alabama, lovingly known as “Camp Wood.” That place was sacred ground, a gathering place for family reunions, vacations, laughter, storytelling, and generations of memories. Camp Wood represented everything Dan believed in: family togetherness, shared history, and the importance of knowing where you came from. After retirement, Dan devoted himself to genealogy, carefully researching and preserving family history so future generations would never forget their roots.
Dan had a playful, mischievous side that his family will forever treasure. He would sneak grandchildren out of bed after they were tucked in, steal them away for extra cuddles, or let them stay up late to secretly watch “Creature Feature,” making sure Mom never found out. Sundays often meant John Wayne movies and classic films, traditions that brought him comfort and familiarity. One particularly unforgettable story involved Dan and his son Michael being accidentally locked in the basement of the American Legion on Michigan Avenue after hours, this wasn’t the only time for Dan unfortunately. With the lights turned off and no way out, they waited it out—Dan calmly drinking a beer while Michael had a cola, laughing through the situation and turning what could have been frightening into yet another legendary family story.
Dan lived by simple but powerful values: love and respect your family, work hard, be kind, be generous, and help anyone who needs it, no matter the cost. He believed deeply in showing love through actions, not just words. Still, he never failed to remind his family how much he loved them. His signature farewell “Gimme a hug goodbye” and his simple, heartfelt “I love you” are words his family will hear in their hearts forever.
Dan Wood was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, mentor, jokester, and protector. He was a man who loved deeply, gave freely, and lived fully. We love you, Dad. Thank you for every sacrifice, every laugh, every lesson, and every hug. If we could, we would give you one more and say, just as you always did “I love you.”
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Burt and Luttell Wood; his beloved wife, Kay; his children Jeffrey Wood and Ronald Wood; his grandchildren Matthew Wood and Rolisa Wood; and multiple siblings.
He is survived by his children Gregory (Theresa) Wood, Douglas Wood, Renee (Andrew) Levenson, and Michael (Shawna) Wood; his sister Sally Poretta; 17 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren, each one a living continuation of the love, lessons, and legacy he leaves behind.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family homestead, Camp Wood, in care of Sharon Wood ,921 CR 121, Waterloo, Alabama 35677, a place that stands as a symbol of Dan’s life, rooted in family, rich with memories, and built to last.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m., with family and friends gathering one hour prior. Burial will follow.
To leave a message for the family, please visit chapelhillmemorial.com.
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Added 01/20/2026 0740 GMS
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