In Memory Of
Russell Lee Wood
1923
2021
Russell Lee Wood
October 22, 1923 — January 3, 2021
Russell Lee Wood, 97, of Aurora Colorado died on Sunday, January 3, 2021. He was born to Ina and
Austin Wood, in Pocatello Idaho on October 22, 1923. Russ graduated from East Lake school, Adams
County, Colorado. He attended college at Shrivenham American University, Shrivenham, U.K., in 1945.
Russ married Thelma Miler in 1942 and they celebrated their 78th anniversary in May of last year. They
loved to travel. They had wonderful vacations in the interior of the US as well along the Gulf of Mexico,
both coasts, and Canada. They were on several cruises.
Russ was a Machinist at the Remington Arms Plant, Federal Center, Denver, until he was drafted in 1943.
He served in the European Command during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the
Purple Heart. He was at Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and other actions in France, Belgium,
and Germany.
After the war Russ started as a Machinist Assistant at Silver Engineering where he completed his
machinist apprenticeship. Russ worked there until he was hired to manage the Denver Machine Shop;
he worked there until he retired.
Russ developed macular degeneration after retiring, in part from his injuries in WW II. He loved
participating in the monthly VA Visual Impairment Programs and attended three semester programs at
the VA Blind Rehabilitation Center in Tucson Arizona. They called him their poster child because of his
independence and great attitude; 'I'm not handicapped, I just can't see.'
Russ was also selected for the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. when he was in his 90's. He thoroughly
enjoyed the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. with other veterans.
He lived in the Denver metropolitan area from childhood.
Russ is survived by his wife, Thelma and their two children: Randall Wood of Broomfield Colorado, and
Russell Wood of Lakewood Colorado. They have three grandchildren: Christopher Wood, Randall Wood
Jr., and Stephanie Ciotola; and two great-grandchildren: Angelina and Anthony Ciotola.
Russ will be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery at a private service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight.
To send condolences or leave a special message for the family, please visit Newcomer.com
Austin Wood, in Pocatello Idaho on October 22, 1923. Russ graduated from East Lake school, Adams
County, Colorado. He attended college at Shrivenham American University, Shrivenham, U.K., in 1945.
Russ married Thelma Miler in 1942 and they celebrated their 78th anniversary in May of last year. They
loved to travel. They had wonderful vacations in the interior of the US as well along the Gulf of Mexico,
both coasts, and Canada. They were on several cruises.
Russ was a Machinist at the Remington Arms Plant, Federal Center, Denver, until he was drafted in 1943.
He served in the European Command during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the
Purple Heart. He was at Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and other actions in France, Belgium,
and Germany.
After the war Russ started as a Machinist Assistant at Silver Engineering where he completed his
machinist apprenticeship. Russ worked there until he was hired to manage the Denver Machine Shop;
he worked there until he retired.
Russ developed macular degeneration after retiring, in part from his injuries in WW II. He loved
participating in the monthly VA Visual Impairment Programs and attended three semester programs at
the VA Blind Rehabilitation Center in Tucson Arizona. They called him their poster child because of his
independence and great attitude; 'I'm not handicapped, I just can't see.'
Russ was also selected for the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. when he was in his 90's. He thoroughly
enjoyed the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. with other veterans.
He lived in the Denver metropolitan area from childhood.
Russ is survived by his wife, Thelma and their two children: Randall Wood of Broomfield Colorado, and
Russell Wood of Lakewood Colorado. They have three grandchildren: Christopher Wood, Randall Wood
Jr., and Stephanie Ciotola; and two great-grandchildren: Angelina and Anthony Ciotola.
Russ will be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery at a private service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight.
To send condolences or leave a special message for the family, please visit Newcomer.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Russell Lee Wood, please visit our flower store.
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