Richard Leon Wood (Dick), departed this life on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 at the age of 83. Born in Bonne Terre on December 16, 1941, Dick Wood was a self professed “hillbilly” raised in Flat River, Missouri on a steady diet of Twinkies, basketball, outdoor adventures and hearing the Word of God at the local Methodist Church.

Throughout his youth, his face would go on to grace many yearbooks, sporting a 1950’s crew cut, acting in plays, occasionally holding a trombone, often wearing basketball shorts and always grinning at the camera. After one too many years of “being so skinny that my pajamas only had one stripe,” he would eventually grow into his 6 foot 4 inch frame and learn where to find size 13 shoes.

After a few years of bad jokes (and a few good ones) he finally convinced that local girl, Cathy Conway, to go out with him. That date would lead to 63 years of love. Dick and Cathy would eventually go on to college together while living in a tiny camping trailer and soon after, both would become teachers. Dick was hired by Mehlville High School where he taught Algebra and the art of staying awake in math class.

With a never-ending passion for Archery and a naturally entrepreneurial mind, he simultaneously opened Dick Wood Archery Supply a few years later. After a few clever inventions and hundreds of arrows later, he eventually settled into real estate full time.

He would open and operate Dick Wood & Associates for over 50 years. Without a doubt, he was known by all for his love of Archery even without seeing his numerous gold medals and ribbons hidden in boxes and hung on hat racks far beyond the sight of others. A former President of The Conservation Federation of Missouri and Missouri Bowhunters Hall of Fame member, his passion for Bowhunting and Missouri Wildlife Conservation will be felt by future generations as they continue to enjoy the resources he fought so hard to protect. From the foundation of ‘Operation Game Thief’ to his relentless work on the ‘Save The Meramec’ campaign, ‘Share the Harvest’ and many more, he worked tirelessly making his children stop at every sporting goods store to restock pamphlets and bumper stickers. Then, turn the car around to head back to the pawn shop that had an old recurve bow in the window – because those needed saving too. And save them he did!

A believer in salvation and the power of Christ, Dick spent his life sharing the message of the Lord. Later in life, he combined his faith and passion for archery to found ‘Christian Archers of Missouri,’ introducing a new generation to both the sport and the Savior. Throughout his life, Dick Wood was an inspiration to many, a devoted husband to one, a loving father to two and an example to all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John N. Wood and Lorraine Wood; his brothers Nolan Monroe (infant) and John Henry; his niece Nicolle (Shane) Dement; his sister-in-law Willa (Black) Wood; and brother-in-law Les Conway.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Cathy (Conway) Wood; his children Wendi (Dwight) Ervin and Darin (Salena) Wood; and his grandchildren Drew Ervin, Brooke (Dylan) Holdenried, Bret Ervin, Keira Wood, Raquel Wood, and beloved great granddaughter Elsie Wood Holdenried. Also surviving are his sister-in-law Bet Conway, nephew Keith (Tenna) Groom, niece Kathy Wood and cousin Canda (David) Rozier.

Dick will be remembered for his amazing jokes, his long texts and emails, his witty rhymes, creative and entertaining mind, the love he shared and the laughter he effortlessly gave to those around him.

Dick Wood’s Celebration of Life will be on Friday, June 13th from 3-5pm at South County Baptist Church: 12995 Tesson Ferry Rd. St Louis, MO 63128.

Per Dick’s wishes, it will be a casual gathering where camouflage attire is welcome! There will be an informal ‘visitation’ from 3-4pm where family will be in the church gym to talk and visit, and the service will be from 4-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South County Baptist Church or The Conservation Federation of Missouri.