Emerson Leon Wood

Emerson Leon “Woody” Wood, 80, Denver, Indiana, passed away on Friday afternoon, April 14, 2023, at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru, Indiana.

Born April 30, 1942, in Michigan City, Indiana, he was the son of Harold Arthur and Alpha Ruth (Biggs) Wood.  On June 23, 1962, in Michigan City, Indiana, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, he was married to Carlene L. Milzarek, and she survives.

Woody graduated in 1960 from Elston High School in Michigan City.  He enlisted in the US Navy and served from 1961-1967, stationed primarily in Norfolk, Virginia.  He returned to Indiana and worked as a driver for UPS, retiring as a manager.  After retiring from UPS, he and his wife Carlene returned to Miami County, Indiana, where they had lived previously, and bought the Denver Town Tavern, where they spent countless hours over thirty years serving fish, pork steaks, broasted chicken, (and a few drinks), to their many friends, neighbors, and travelers just passing through town.

Following the sale of the tavern, Woody and Carlene were able to spend more time with their family.  He loved dancing with his wife, bowling, golfing with the Moose gang, visiting casinos, and helping the Denver Lions Club with their golf tournament.

Woody was blessed with sixty years of marriage with “his girl,” and together they enjoyed celebrating their milestones of fifty and sixty years with their three daughters, entire family, and many friends.  Over the years, the family traveled together in their motor home to parades and anywhere where the girls had an activity.  Woody was NOT a Purdue fan; he LOVED IU Sports, which he indicated their game performance with the raising or lowering to half-mast of his IU flag.

Survivors include his wife Carlene Wood, Denver; three daughters, Pamela (Grant) Carpenter, Peru; Rebecca (Ty) Mungle, Bloomington; and Cynthia (Sean) Stoner, Macy; grandchildren, Andrew and Riley Saddlemire, Jon Bailey and Peyton Stoner, Mary (Andy) Cole, Katy (Eric) Lumpkin, John (Shelby) Kincaid, and Molly and Cade Mungle; several great-grandchildren; sister, Irene Dickman; niece, Lorine Nowatzke (along with her children, Tyler (Deanna) and Ashlee (Dustin) Snakenberg); and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Phyllis Rapp; niece, Michelle Sprong; and a nephew, Greg Rapp.  Woody was also preceded in death by his beloved mutt, Muffy.

Visitation will be from 1-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver.

Private family burial will be at Westlawn Cemetery, Denver, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Denver Fire Department or Miami County Military Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent online at www.McClain.com.  McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.