Robert R. Wood, 86, of Franklin, Indiana, passed on Friday, January 17, 2025.

He was born on February 15, 1938 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma to Nashon and Grace Wood and was one of 5 children (Carol Bagley and the late Jack, Truman & Joyce Kelly).  In addition to birth family, Bob made a much larger chosen family along the way.  After Kingfisher, Bob found his first family in the Navy where he served meritoriously from 1959-1963.  Bob was then called to his next family as a Methodist minister where he was honored and blessed to serve for over 32 years. Over the years he lovingly walked with his chosen family in their faithful paths not only with his congregations, but also with the Methodist Upper Room, developing and beginning the Walk to Emmaus and with Danny Morris creating and beginning The Methodist Academy for Spiritual Formation.

His life was filled with joy during these years as he welcomed three daughters to his family Rosemary Sullivan (Chris), Stephanie Louder (Chris) and Tracy Hubbard (Joe).  Horseback riding and sailing with his girls was his joy.  On December 21,1994 he married Janet (Steider) Wood. They enjoyed 30 full years of friends, travel, and family, including Paul Legge (Katie) and Debbie Sutton (the late Steven), grandchildren Annsley, Campbell & Emery Hubbard; Roxy Legge; Jeff Sheets (Jenna), Bryan Sutton (Courtney), Taylor Sutton (Rebecca) and seven great-grandchildren.  His life was enriched with each and every family member, both birth and chosen.

Bob and Jan settled in his final years in the Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Community.  He attended Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, IN.

Visitation will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 East Adams Street in Franklin, IN on Sunday, January 26th, 2025 from 1:30 PM with Celebration of Life beginning at 2:30 PM.  Military honors will follow the service and are being conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org  or Missions at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 East Adams Street, Franklin, IN 46131.

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 317-738-0202.