FRANKLIN, IN.
“A heart is shown not by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.” The Wizard of Oz.
Jack Donald Wood, a long-time resident of Franklin, Indiana, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, September 12, 2021, surrounded by his brother, Ron Wood, and close friends. Jack was born on September 19, 1935, at the home of his Father, Oral Emerson “Chew Tobacco” Wood, and mother, Dorothy Ruth (Asher) Wood, in Whiteland, Indiana. Jack grew up in Whiteland as the third of five sons. Jack attended school through the sixth grade in Whiteland. He moved to Franklin in the early 1970’s with his mother and step-father. After they passed away, Jack’s brother Ron gave Jack a most precious gift. He let Jack live independently for nearly thirty years in Franklin, where Jack endeared himself to a vast number of people who were, and are, very proud to call Jack their friend. Jack became a fixture in the Franklin community, volunteering at the Artcraft Theatre, where he performed in skits and spun the prize wheel, conversing with customers at city diners and coffee shops, and waving at passersby as he sat on his neighbors’ stone wall on North Main Street. Jack particularly enjoyed masquerading as various notable cinematic characters at the Artcraft Theatre. To those who knew him, Jack was a breath of fresh air who could lift a person’s spirit just by his presence.
Jack enjoyed handing out candy to trick-or-treaters on his favorite holiday. With equal vigor, he passed out bags of Artcraft popcorn and local Republican office candidates’ leaflets as he walked along winding parade routes. Jack loved to walk . . . everywhere. Jim Rhoades could count on Jack to help him with the annual Hog Roast. Jack often was seen mowing a lawn somewhere around town or pushing the mower to the next home on his list. He very much enjoyed drinking sweet-iced tea and eating a fried tenderloin sandwich and French fries with a handful of friends. Any meal he could not finish at one sitting, he would wrap in a napkin and stuff in his pocket to take home. His cats often feasted on these pocket treats.
Jack enjoyed residing in his own apartment at the Hellenic Senior Living Community in Greenwood, Indiana, for the better part of the last two years before returning to Franklin in recent months. Jack had an exemplary memory for people’s names, events, and fellow travelers’ kindnesses toward him. He was a good soul whose loss is deeply felt by his devoted brother, Ron, his family, and those friends who were like family to him. He is survived by Ron (Stella) Wood, brother, Jim (Emily) Wood, extended family, and by many close friends.
A public celebration of life service will occur on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Historic Artcraft Theatre. A private family gathering will be held at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN with a private family graveside service to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FHI/Historic Artcraft Theatre, 51 N. Main Street, Franklin, Indiana 46131 or at bit.ly/DONATEfhi.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN. is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.
