Clyde "Ed" Edward Wood, III's Obituary
The world lost a very great man August 23, 2024. Clyde Edward Wood III went by many monikers per the many that knew him: Ed, Eddie, Woody, Dr. Wood, C.E Wood, and Echo 5 Whiskey. His intelligence was admirable, but he was possibly best known for his infectious laugh, witty sense of humor, passion for teaching, and providing guidance to his students. He left an indelible impression on those that crossed his path through his life's journey.
Ed spent most of his childhood in Ottumwa, IA. He moved to Waukee, IA in 1975 graduating from Waukee High School in 1981. He attended the University of Iowa graduating in 1985 after studying abroad at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland his junior year. He participated in ROTC at Iowa, then served with the Army attaining the rank of Lieutenant I. After his service with the Army, he opted to enlist in the Marines fulfilling another lifelong dream. He served in Desert Storm with the Wolf Pack operating scout LAV vehicles preceding the tanks in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. He also served in Somalia during the Somalian conflict. Upon leaving the Marines, he continued his education at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, earning his PhD in History with an emphasis on Military History. His dissertation covered the impact of soil and terrain on war which was published as a book titled Mud: A Military History. He joined the faculty at Glenville State University where he continued to teach throughout his tenure. Always hungry to learn, he also attained his Masters in Geography at Marshall University, then taught Geography at Glenville State University as well. He received Glenville State's Faculty Award of Excellence in 2008. During summer breaks he served as a civilian (PACE) instructor onboard Navy ships including the Enterprise on its final voyage before the ship was decommissioned. On top of his duties at Glenville State he also taught inmates at the penitentiary near his home in West Virginia.
He met the love of his life, Zuzanna G Kulik twelve years ago. They were married July 11, 2014 completing his family with a daughter Kayla Kulik. Through their shared passion for sharing stories, taking slow drives through the countryside, watching baseball, hockey and football, Eddie infused Zuzi's life with American culture. She in turn sparked his curiosity of eastern European culture and history. He became interested in learning the Hungarian and Slovak languages to better communicate with his Eastern European family. He became invested in practicing Aikido with his daughter Kayla, eventually earning 3rd kyu - brown with gold tip.
Ed is survived by his wife, Zuzanna Wood, daughter Kayla Kulik, mother Kathryn Wood, a sister Laura (Brad) Penrith, nephews Gabriel and Jacob Penrith, and niece Grace Penrith. He is also survived by Zuzanne's parents, Frank and Maria Gonczi who have been an integral part of his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Edward Wood Jr. and his grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 5:00PM, Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville. Burial will follow the service at Exline Cemetery in Exline, Iowa, with military rites conducted. Visitation will take place Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 3:00PM-5:00PM. In honor of Ed's passion for teaching and providing opportunities to students in need hoping to further their education as well as Ed's love of animals, memorials are established at https://fureverfriends.info/donation and https://www.glenville.edu/foundation/donation-form. Cards may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Wood Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
What’s your fondest memory of Clyde "Ed"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clyde "Ed"?
Share a story where Clyde "Ed"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clyde "Ed" you’ll never forget.
How did Clyde "Ed" make you smile?