Christopher Dallas Wood, age 41, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Friday, July 28, 2023.
Chris was born on January 4, 1982, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Larry and Diane (Wolf) Wood.
He was married on August 16, 2003, in Clinton, Mo. to his soulmate, Jill Suzette Howerton. Throughout their almost 20 years of marriage, Jill has consistently been Chris’ best friend, staunchest supporter, and confidante.
A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Chris was a 2000 graduate of South Callaway R-II High School in Mokane, Mo. During his younger years, he was a Boy Scout and proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
After high school Chris went on to nobly serve his country in the United States Army, where he was an honors graduate of Ranger School. Chris was deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom with the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division where he planned and led many combat missions. He was honorably discharged in 2003 as a Corporal after being awarded many accolades for his service. Chris went on to earn a Bachelor of
Science from Columbia College in 2008 with a double major in management and finance.
Chris began his career in banking in 2003 as a loan officer with Luebbering Mortgage. He was recruited by Jefferson Bank in 2005, where he became the Vice President of Residential Lending, under the guidance of his mentor, Sharon LePage. One of his many strong attributes was his loyalty to others. Chris truly loved his team and offered inspirational notes, favorite treats, and heartfelt appreciation to encourage and motivate them. In
August 2021, Chris transitioned to the Senior Vice President of Mortgage Loans for Central Bank.
Chris was a member at Solid Rock Family Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1003, and the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5. He has served as a member of the Governing Body through the United Way of Central Missouri, served as a chair for their Fund Allocation Committee and currently enjoyed his involvement as co-chair of their Strategic Funding Committee. He was a member of the Historic City of Jefferson Foundation, the Home Builders Association, the Jefferson City Area Board of Realtors, and was active with JC Youth Wrestling. Chris was a member of the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and was a 2007 graduate of Leadership Jefferson City. He was a recipient of the Honorary Highway Patrolman Award for his heroism in 2004 when he jumped into a moving car to get it stopped after the driver had a seizure on Highway 50.
While Chris had a successful career and was active in his community, he was most proud of his family. He valued time cheering for Ty on the football field, watching Maddie in one of her many dance competitions, and coaching Brody on the wrestling mat. There are many memories of Chris and Jill attending Mizzou football games, hosting friends around the fire pit and many hours of his favorite pastime, karaoke. He looked forward to celebrating his half birthday on July the 4 th each year, complete with loads of fireworks and a big party. Life was always an adventure with Chris and to know him was to love him.
Survivors include: his loving wife, Jill Wood; three children, Ty Michael Wood, Madelyn Faith Wood, and
Brody Ranger Wood, all of the home; his mother, Diane Luebbering (Dennis) of New Bloomfield, Mo.; three siblings, Nathan Wood of Fulton, Mo., Brooks Luebbering (AshLee) of New Bloomfield, Mo., and Adeena Almond (Jerin) of Kansas City, Mo.; paternal grandfather, Vincel Wood of Eldon, Mo.; several nieces and nephews; his parents-in-law, Phil and Janice Howerton of Chilhowee, Mo.; and brothers-in-law, Nick Howerton and Colonel Paul Howerton (Emily).
Chris was preceded in death by his father, Larry Wood; maternal grandparents, Elmer and Esther Wolf; paternal grandmother, Velda Wood; and step-grandparents, Jerome and Lucy Luebbering.
Visitation was held at First Baptist Church from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 2023.
Funeral services were conducted on Friday, August 4, 2023, at First Baptist Church with the Reverend Melissa Hatfield and the Reverend Joe Skiles officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors was held at Riverview Cemetery with the Reverend Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating.
A recording of Chris’ service can be viewed by going to First Baptist Church’s Facebook page, First Baptist Church’s YouTube Channel or by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Wood Children Educational Fund, which will be used to assist with the educational needs of his children. Memorial contributions may be mailed to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com.
