"You're only one heartbeat from eternity"
Max Stanley Wood passed peacefully to his heavenly home after a short illness on Sunday, May 9, 2021
surrounded by his children. Max was one of the finest and most Godly man found on the face of the
earth and lived a full and productive life as a true Christian and patriot.
Max was born on a sweltering June 28, 1933 in Spencerville, Ohio. He was a child of the lean 1930's but
never was in want of food, family, friends and fun. Growing up in a small town does have its advantages
and Max was known to be a friend to all. There were the typical childhood hi-jinks involved growing up,
an outhouse or five tipped and life-long friendships made. Max grew up loving the out of doors and his
connection to the natural world lasted throughout his entire life. He spent many hours hunting, trapping,
camping, and especially fishing. If you could add the hours he spent fishing to the end of his life, Max
would have probably been around until the year 2054. Fishing was his passion, not just a day spent away
from work. He could tell a great fish story and remember details about the fish he caught (or almost
caught) from any lake, any date. In fact, he caught 201 crappies throughout this past season in his
Florida winter home.
Max graduated from Spencerville High School as a star athlete, (holding the record for the 440 for more
than 25 years) and transitioned into the "adult world" by working at the Lima Locomotive Works and
Westinghouse until he was drafted during the Korean Conflict. He spent two years in the Army learning
a good uniform made him comfortable. After his Army discharge as Corporal, he applied to the Ohio
State Highway Patrol and was accepted in the 45th graduating class. Unit #788 spent the first few years
at the Swanton and Van Wert Posts. His exemplary service earned him many commendations and
awards. He was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Lima Post where he eventually retired as
assistant Post Commander after a 30 year career. He was always eager to lend a hand to a stranded
motorist and equally eager to flip on those red and blue lights to point out your poor judgment with a
pretty pink ticket. "Sarge" was known as a rule follower and a straight-shooter, literally taking top place
in many shooting competitions. He was very proud of his time served as an Ohio State Highway Patrol
Trooper. During his time at the training academy he began to court a pretty young nursing student,
Martha Coffman, from his high school class. He eventually proved his love for her and they married on
April 7, 1957. They raised three children and enjoyed many adventures, vacations and family time all
over the United States and the world.
After a career in a snappy Stetson, Max and Martha began a new chapter in life, moving to eastern Ohio
and settling into retirement. But that didn't last long as a new uniform beckoned to Max as a seasonal
lake ranger at Leesville Lake part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. This job married
the best of both worlds for Max, piloting a boat and enforcing the law. He eventually retired again, this
time choosing to spend winters fishing in Florida and moving back to the Spencerville area for the
warmer months. With every move, finding a home church was always a priority and a way to fellowship,
bring others to Christ and give back to the community.
Max lost Martha, the love of his life in August of 2015 but continued to live independently until his
recent illness, taking great pride in keeping a clean home and providing "fish frys" for his neighbors.
Surviving Max are his three children. Christine (Scott) Fetzer, Mary J. Wood, and Mark (Eunkyong) Wood.
Grandchildren, Dennis (Linda) Fetzer, Cory (Janet) Fetzer, Mindy Fetzer, Jessica Danielle Clark, and
Haiden Wood. Siblings Redmond (Millie) Wood and Shirley Blockberger. Brother in law, Homer Coffman,
Sister in Laws, Mary Jane Putman and Marjorie Coffman. Special friends Sandie Wood and Delores
Staples. And numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceeding Max in death were his parents, Harry Lewis Wood and Ilo Bretta (Gillespie) Wood,his bride of
58 years, Martha (Coffman) Wood, an infant son, siblings Bernard, Martha Neiford and Patricia Daley
and infant triplets.
Max was deeply involved in the Spencerville community with the First Baptist Church, Invincible Fire
Department, the Historical Society and the American Legion. Max was a bigger than life figure and
won't easily be forgotten. Come join us to celebrate his illustrious life at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral
Home, Spencerville, Ohio on Thursday, May 13, 2-4pm or 6-8pm, Masonic Rites to follow at 8pm.
Funeral will be held at Spencerville Baptist Church on Friday, May 14 at 11am, with friends and family
visitation held one hour prior at 10am. Military rites will be held at the Spencerville Cemetery following
the service. Facebook Live broadcast starting at 11am available through Spencerville First Baptist
Church Facebook page.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Spencerville, Ohio or to the Spencerville
Invincible Fire Department.