Merton Theodore Wood, known by his friends and family as Ted, died at the age of 86 of congestive heart failure in Alta Loma, CA, with his son, Brent, at his side.
Ted was born May 29, 1926 in Warren, Pennsylvania, the third child of Mae and Paul Wood.  Ted grew up on a farm in Russell, milking cows for a local dairy as his first job at age 14.  He left high school to join the Army, serving in World War II in Patton's infantry in Germany, where he would reach the rank of sergeant.  Ted married Mildred (Midge) Smith July 12, 1980.  His primary employment was with GTE Sylvania where he worked for 40 years (1943-1983).  As a general foreman, Ted was known for his respectful treatment of others and for his work ethic.  He worked catering jobs with his friend, Bob Lewis, of Lewis' Market as secondary employment.  Ted served as Boy Scout Master for Troop 5 where he mentored dozens of young men, teaching them to "leave the campsite cleaner than you found it."  He was very proud when both of his sons reached the rank of Eagle Scout.  Ted loved to hunt, an activity he often shared with his step-son, Tom Smith.  Each spring Ted loved planting a vegetable garden.  He and Midge enjoyed traveling together to see family and beautiful parts of our earth such as Alaska and New Zealand.  They bought a summer home in Avon Park, Florida and wintered there with friends and family.
Ted was preceded in death by his beloved wife Midge in October 2011.
Ted is survived by his five children: Melody Wood and her husband, Tom Huber, of Maine, Ted Wood of Oregon, Linda Turney and her husband, Matt, of Texas, Brent Wood and his wife, Pattie, of California, Sherry Schreffler of California; four step-children: Tom Smith and his wife, Gerry, of Warren, Patti Hamel and her husband, Wil, of Arizona, JoAnne Chew and her husband, James, of New Jersey, James Smith and his wife, Cindy, of Florida; his brother, Tom Wood and sister, Pat Peterson; his first wife, Gloria Nasman of Texas; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Friends will be received at the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, Inc., 1003 Penna, Ave. E., Warren, PA. 16365, on Thursday, December 27, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, at which time a funeral service will be held, with Rev. Brent Wood, and Rev. Marcus Briggs, co- officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of choice.

E-condolences may be sent to www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com