Donald Wayne Wood age 81, of Bay City passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026. Don was born on May 21, 1945 in Olathe, Kansas to the late Rowan Wood and Waurine Smith Wood while his father was stationed there.

The family later moved to Lott, Texas where his grandparents lived. His dad took a job at the VA Hospital in Marlin, Texas. He graduated from Marlin High School in 1963 where he was voted most handsome in his Junior year. In his early years, he delivered newspapers on his bicycle. He talked a lot about that job and his customers, who praised his dedication.

He met Trudy Mikulas, the love of his life, September 28, 1963 at Tom Sefcik Hall. He gave her his class ring that very night and they began their relationship. They were married on February 20, 1965 at Seaton Brethren Church and made their home in Seaton.

He began his career in San Antonio working at a Power Plant. He remained there until the end of 1965 when they moved to Hobbs, New Mexico. In 1968 they relocated to Rosenberg, Texas where Don worked for Gulf States Tube and in 1970 went to work for Witco Chemical where he worked his way up to Foreman. He retired from there in 1995.

After studying very hard, he received his Coast Guard License and began his own business as Capt. Don Wood Fishing Guide in Matagorda where he guided for over 20 years. He was unable to renew his license after COVID due to health issues and being insulin dependent. He sadly retired and sold the boat.

Don was a member of Nichols Street Church of Christ. His hobbies have always included being outdoors and lots of fishing trips and hunting trips with his boys.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Donald Wayne Wood, Jr., his, brother Ronald Wood, in-laws, Jerry & Lillie Mikulas, brother-in-law Jerry Mikulas, Jr., sister-in-law Janet Odstrcil and her husband Glenn and brothers-in-law Capt. Joe Bush and Gary Hunt.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Trudy Mikulas Wood; his loving son Duncan Wood; sister Mary Erskine & her husband Jerry; niece Erica Beard and her husband Cary and their children Kaylee Beard and Campbell Beard, his faithful companion Ruby, the family dog; sisters-in-law Betty Mikulas, Sandra Carver and her husband Milton, Carol Hunt, Kim Hamm and her husband Rob and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM Friday, July 17, 2026 at Nichols Street Church of Christ followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM with Cary Beard, Matt Springfield and John Rawlings officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Nichols Street Church of Christ or the Harvest House.; 1200 Nichols St.; Bay City, TX 77414