Annabella, Utah - Samuel Douglas Wood, age 82, passed away in his Annabella home on February 13, 2023, with loved ones by his side. His battle with dementia had finally ended as he passed from this life to the next. While he will be greatly missed, he is now enjoying a glorious reunion with loved ones on the other side.
Doug had a great sense of humor and a generous heart. He was quick to laugh or tell a joke. A quality that stayed with him until the end. His generous heart was seen in constant acts of service to those who knew him.
He will be remembered by many for his good deeds. Whether shoveling snow in the early morning for neighbors before work or to his commitment to the beautification of the Annabella Cemetery. He had great admiration for those, he said, “Had paved the way before us,” and felt that respect should be reflected in their final resting place.
Doug was born August 6, 1940, in Lyman, Utah to Willis and Mary Lucille Oldroyd Wood. He was the fifth of nine children. Brothers and Sisters included: James, Sherry, Veola, Carol, Stanley, Jesse, Mary and Virginia.
He married VerDawn Chamberlain on September 2, 1961, in the St. George LDS Temple. They were both proud of their nine children. Shane, Sheryl, Teresa, Christine, John, Jolynn, Karen, Julie and Trena and they made family their highest priority.
After graduating from Wayne High, he attended CSU (SSU) and then Utah State University. He received his bachelor's degree in Range Management and began working for the Bureau of Land Management. Work and school took them both to Cedar City, Logan, Monticello, Moab, and Annabella.
Doug loved to hike. He hiked often, over the span of several years, with the granddaddy of them all, being the completion of Kings Peak in the High Unitas. It being the highest peak in the state of Utah. He felt a genuine sense of accomplishment after completing this goal.
A highlight of his BLM Career was the part he played in the Slickrock Bike Trail, in Moab. While the idea was Dick Wilson’s, who he worked closely with, Doug helped get the project going through the BLM. This project was awarded a Superior Performance Award.
Throughout his life, Doug received many awards for his work in the community and employment. However, his greatest accomplishment and what he took the most pride in was his service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his family. He had fond memories of being a bishop, scout leader, a member of the stake presidency and other various callings. He often shared special memories of his service and his appreciation for the friends he acquired while serving.
He also expressed great love for his family. His example of faith, hard work, and integrity is his final and last great accomplishment in his life. Including his valiant fight with dementia over the last several years. He moved forward the best he could and did not give up. He did not complain, though his once quick and bright mind became confused. He fought a great fight and in so doing set a lasting legacy for his posterity.
2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought a good fight I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
The family would like to express gratitude for the kind neighbors and friends who took a special interest in helping Doug. To the hospice workers who were a great blessing to him and his family, and a special thank you to Kayla and Karen, daughter and granddaughter to Doug, who were tirelessly by his side, lovingly, helping in his care.
Doug is survived by his children: Shane and Kara Wood of Grover; Teresa and Jeff Farr of Columbia Falls, Montana; John Wood of Centerville; Jolynn and Matthew Bulkley of St. George; Karen and Danny Stanton of Annabella; Julie and Jathan Bingham of Payson; 37 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers: Veola Clark of Grover; Carol Wood of Richfield; Stanley Wood, Jesse and Brenda Wood, all of Lyman, Mary and Mike Jensen of Gunnison.
He is preceded in death by his wife, VerDawn; three daughters, Christine Wood, Trena Wood and Sheryl Coleman; two grandchildren; and siblings: James Wood; Sherry Wood and Virginia Murdock.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 12 Noon in the Annabella 1st LDS Ward Chapel, 40 North 100 East in Annabella. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Sunday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the church in Annabella Monday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 prior to the services.
Burial will be in the Annabella Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
FUNERAL SERVICES LIVESTREAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3nGYHcABxc
A VIDEO FEED WILL APPEAR HERE ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE SERVICE BEGINS
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