Right Illustrious Companion Ronald Everett Wood, Jr., Grand Recorder, Grand Council of Missouri, 1996-2001
July 8, 1930 – May 25, 2021

Ronald E. Wood Jr., 1930-2021
Grand Recorder, Grand Council of Missouri
1996-2001

Greetings Sir Knights,

Freemasonry has lost another Jewel in its Masonic Crown. Reverend, Companion, and Sir Knight Ronald Everett Wood, Jr. cast off the chains binding him to this Earthly realm to be with his Lord and Savior at 1:30 am on May 25, 2021.

Ron was born in Rolla, Missouri, July 8, 1930. At an early age his family moved to Tennessee where he graduated from the Tennessee Military Institute (high school) in 1949. After graduation in 1949, he returned to Missouri. While working for Pittsburgh Plate Glass, he served as pastor of several Missouri Methodist Churches. He attended the Flat River Junior College (Mineral Area Junior College) from which he graduated in 1954 with an Associate Degree. He completed his college education at the Southeast Missouri State University and in 1957 graduated with a degree in Secondary Education. He enrolled in Eden Theological Seminary in Saint Louis and graduated in 1960 with a Master of Divinity Degree. After graduation, he was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church. He served as a Minister in the United Methodist Church for more than 50 years.

On April 14, 1951, Ron and Marie were married and became partners in life\’s journey. To this union were born five children: Ronda, Patricia, Steven, Paula, and Mark (Mark, sadly, died at birth). The kids are all now married and widely dispersed across the country. The extended family consists of nine grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Unfortunately, Marie died on March 2, 2010, after 59 years of marriage. On July 17, 2010, Ron found  happiness again by marrying Betty.

Ron was raised a Master Mason in Ionic Lodge No. 154 in Desloge, Missouri on December 10, 1956. He continued his Masonic journey in 1981 by joining  DeMolay Chapter No. 26, Warrensburg Council No. 57, and Mary Commandery No. 19. He served as High Priest of the Chapter in 1991, Illustrious Master of  the Council in 1992, and Commander of the Commandery in 1992.

Ron served as the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter of Missouri from 1996 through 2001 and as Grand Chaplain from 2007 through 2008. He also  served as the Grand Lecturer and the Grand Historian of the Grand Chapter. Ron served as the Grand Recorder of the Grand Council of Missouri from 1996 through 2001 and as Grand Chaplain from 2005 through 2006. He also served as the Grand Lecturer and the Grand Historian of the Grand Council.

Ron served as the Grand Captain General of the Grand Commandery of Missouri in 1995, the Grand Recorder in 1996; and as the Grand Prelate from 1989 through 1990 and again from 2005 through 2009. He was elected an Honorary Past Grand Commander in 1996. He edited the Missouri supplement in the Knight Templar Magazine from 1994 through 2010. He also served as the Grand Historian of the Grand Commandery. He was created a Knight Commander of the Temple (KCT) by the Grand Encampment in 1995.

The Masonic service and visitation for Ron will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 at the Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory (5005 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph, MO, 64506). The Masonic service with Commandery Honor Guard will begin at 5:00 pm. The visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The service for Ron will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the MeierHoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Ron’s final resting place will be in Whispering Pines Cremation Garden at St. Joseph Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions can be given to either the Eastern Star Training Award For Religious Leadership (send checks payable to the Grand Chapter of Missouri OES with ESTRAL on the memo line to 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite C, Columbia, MO, 65202) or the Grand Commandery of Missouri Holy Land Pilgrimage Endowment Fund (send checks payable to the Grand Commandery of Missouri with HLPEF on the memo line to 107 S. Williams St., Fayette, MO, 65248-1017).

It is with sadness that we mourn the passing of such an Excellent, Illustrious, and Eminent Companion and Sir Knight. Ron, good and faithful Brother, may God bless you and keep you ever in His presence.

Fraternally,

Russell S. Hanson, PGC
Grand Recorder
Grand Commandery of Missouri