John W. Wood

Overton- John William Wood, 66 of Overton passed away on Monday, February 4, 2019 at Kearney Regional Medical Center.   John was born July 1, 1952 in Kearney, NE to William Lonnie and Anna Mae (Nickel) Wood.   John graduated with the class of 1970 from Elm Creek High School where he enjoyed playing football. He went on to attend college at both Kearney State College and Hastings Community College.   John was briefly united in marriage to Elizabeth Ann Imaly, to this union one daughter was born, Jennifer. On March 3, 1979 John married the love of his life, Stephanie Gayle Maas and increased his family by two daughters, Theresa and Wendie which he adopted.  They were later blessed with two sons, Thomas and Damien.   Over the course of his career John drove truck for the hay mills, worked at New Holland, Burns Bros. but eventually found his way back to trucking following in his father’s footsteps as an owner-operator but ended his driving career with MRK.   John was very actively involved with the Overton Christian Church where he was a member.  John was passionate about politics and thoroughly enjoyed lively (often heated) debates.   John was truly in his element when spending time with his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He always looked forward to the holidays spent with the family and will be greatly missed by all.   Survivors include; his wife Stephanie of Overton, two daughters, Theresa (Terry) Wood of Oxford, Ne. and Wendie Altwine and husband Rod of Elm Creek, Ne., two sons; Thomas Wood of Overton, Ne. and Damien of Holdrege, Ne.  Grandchildren; Spencer, Tyler and Sierra White, Zack and Nick Altwine, Sara and William Fritson, Natalie Wood, Angie Melo, Avry Kitsmiller and Anna Wood and five great-grandchildren, sister; Annis Luther of Orem, Utah,  Brothers-in-law; Rick and wife Lynda Maas of Broken Bow, Ne. and Greg and Mary Maas of Phoenix, AZ.  Sisters-in-law; Marcy Fleenor of Overton, Ne. and Missy and husband David Smith of Overton, Ne. and son-in-law Matthew Fritson.  Many nieces, nephews, family and friends.   John was proceeded in death by his parents, in-laws; Bill and Jean Maas, sister; Lei Lonnie Wood, brother -in-law Gary Luther, daughter; Jennifer Fritson, grandson; Jessie Altwine, sisters-in-law; Cindi McCourt, Rhonda Maas, brothers-in-law; Jeff Maas and Pat Fleenor, nephew; Chris Fleenor.   It was John's wish to be cremated.   A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Overton First Christian Church with Pastor Will Thompson, officiating. Feel free to wear casual attire. Inurnment will be in the Overton Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation to the St. Judes Children’s Hospital Or The Down Syndrome Association of Lincoln. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting; reynoldslovefuneralhome.com