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)
Local libraries wrap up their children’s summer reading programs this week.
The Bowie Public Library brings the popular Creature Teacher with all their spectacular animals for the final event on July 23 at the Bowie Community Center.
The program begins at 10 am. The children also will receive their prize books for their summer logs.
The Nocona Public Library ends its program at 10 a.m. on July 24 at the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street. The program will be “Our Own Action Heroes -” Nocona fire, police and EMTs.
Top photo – Smokey Bear visiting Bowie last week at summer reading.
Rachel and Roger Whitaker gave this metal storage container a fresh look with this colorful mural at the Bowie Animal Shelter. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Swim lessons for youngsters of all ages were conducted the past two weeks at the city pool. It was a good place to be during this summer heat. See more photos in the weekend News. (Photos by Barbara Green)
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