Obituary of Vernon A. Wood

Vernon A. Wood, 89, of Tannery Creek Road, Corning (Town of Lindley), died at home on Monday, October 17, 2011 following poor health. Vernon was born in the Town of Wayne, NY on Feb. 1, 1922, the son of Owen and Katie Smith Wood. He was a graduate of the Hammondsport High School. Following high school, Vernon enlisted in the US Army during World War II. He entered active service in Oct. 1942 and was discharged in June 1946 with the rank of First Lieutenant. He further served for several years in the Army Reserves. Vernon worked for a short period for Ingersoll-Rand and in 1962 became employed at Mercury Aircraft in Hammondsport acting as clerk for the parts material department. He worked for Mercury until the age of 80. On Sept. 3, 1977, he and the former Waneta Mead were married at the Church of the Redeemer in Addison. Vernon was a member of the Hammondsport American Legion Post as well as the Corning VFW Post. They lived on Waneta Lake for many years before moving to Lindley, enjoying the ease of fishing at the lake, which he truly enjoyed. Vernon was also a very avid reader. Surviving are his wife, Waneta Wood at home, his sons, Brian (Celin) Wood of Painted Post and Richard (Debbie) Snyder of Wichita, KS, his daughters, Lorraine (Michael) Lowrey of Savona, Linda (Jack) Grover of Corning, Kathy (Carlos) Plumley of Corning and Paula (Chris) Gates of St. Augustine, FL, 35 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Vernon was preceded in death by his sons, Robert Wood and Roger Wood and his sister, Aletha Wood. A graveside service will be conducted at Elk Creek Cemetery, Town of Woodhull, at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Woodhull. Online condolences may be expressed at HPSmithandSonFuneralHome.com.