COUNTY LIFE
Delayed military rites bring happiness to sailor’s family
By BARBARA GREEN
Navy Seaman Leslie L. Wood went into the service in 1944 at the tender age of 17 after getting approval from his parents.
Two years into World War II, like many young men this small-town boy wanted to be part of the war. His older brother, Ausey Pruitt Wood Jr. was serving in the U.S. Army in the European theater as a combat infantryman who would be part of the Battle of the Bulge.
Wood returned home from his military service to graduate college, becoming a teacher and later an attorney. He died at the age of 68 and was buried in Montague Cemetery, within view of his childhood home.
On June 6, 1996 a full military funeral rite was planned for the U.S. Navy veteran, but had to be cancelled due to bad weather when the team was unable to travel to the rural cemetery.
As the 20th anniversary of his father’s death drew near one of his sons, Allen Wood, began talking with local American Legion posts in his area about getting an honor guard to recreate the scene that would have taken place 20 years earlier. Local veterans said yes and helped their father’s final rest be recognized with the military honors.
Read the full feature in the mid-week Bowie News.
Top Picture: Members of the Nocona VFW Post unfurl the American flag during ceremonies for Leslie Wood at Montague Cemetery. (Photo by Barbara Green)
National Weather Service Fort Worth report: We’re closing down the work week with another round of HOT and DRY weather. Much of the area will see an elevated fire weather threat again today! A Heat Advisory remains in effect through 8 pm this evening. More heat headlines likely this weekend and early next week
It’s time once again for the Montague County Cemetery Board Fish Fry.
The fish fry will begin serving at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Forestburg Community Center. The price is $10 per person for all you can eat, and child’s plate for 12 and under is $5. Take-out is also available.
The meal will consist of locally caught crappie and catfish, French fries, beans, hushpuppies, coleslaw and all the trimmings and homemade desserts.
The main purpose of the Montague County Cemetery Board is to look after the county’s abandoned cemeteries. The county has between 50 and 60 abandoned cemeteries. Cleaning a cemetery typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000. Any help is greatly appreciated. Help can be monetary, but it can also be as simple as reporting a suspected lost cemetery, allowing access to the cemetery, or spending a day alongside others cleaning. Volunteers are always welcome.
Another goal of the Cemetery Board is to obtain Historical Status from the Texas Historical Commission for the abandoned cemeteries. This status records the cemetery with both the county and state. It helps to protect them for years to come.
Leadership Montague County is now accepting applications for its upcoming class. Deadline to submit an application is Sept. 1.
Individuals who are interested in strengthening their leadership skills, expanding their knowledge of Montague County and building lasting professional and community relationships are encouraged to apply.
The program is a nine-month leadership development program consisting of nine, one-day, monthly meetings. Participants will explore topics including local government, agriculture, education, healthcare, business and industry, public safety, economic development and community leadership through interactive sessions and site visits. The group will be traveling to Austin in the spring to visit with the legislators and senators and to see how they work for the county residents.
Leadership Montague County is designed for emerging and established leaders who have a desire to become more involved in improving the quality of life throughout Montague County.
Class size is limited, and early application is encouraged. For additional information or to request an application, contact: Leadership Montague County, j-hansard@tamu.edu or call 940-894-2831
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