Samuel “Sam” Thomas Wood

Samuel Thomas (Sam) Wood passed from this life July 2, 2025. Sam was born on December 11, 1932 at home in a camp outside of Lefors, Texas to Vernon O. Wood, Sr. and Zelma O. (Hardin) Wood. After graduating from Kermit High School in 1951, he went to work for Magnolia Petroleum, later known as Mobile Oil Corporation.

Sam married Carolyn Gean Glanton on July 3, 1952 in Hobbs, NM. Their marriage spanned nearly seven decades. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was sworn in on January 15, 1953 as a seaman recruit. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Shangri-la as a fire control technician. Sam also served as a range finder operator for the ship’s long range artillery. During his service he traveled to Pearl Harbor, Japan, The Philippines and Hong Kong.

After his discharge on December 9, 1956, he returned to Kermit, Texas to his family and Magnolia Petroleum. He retired from Mobil Oil Corporation in 1992 after 41 years of employment. After retiring Sam enjoyed many years of his favorite hobby, golf, traveling around the country to play many different courses. Sam was a regular player at Hogan Park and Ranchland Hills in Midland. Sam and Carolyn were avid fans and supporters of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports endeavors. He loved practicing with them and giving great tips and advice. Sam and Carolyn attended St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Midland.

Sam was a beloved husband, father, and “Pop” to his three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Vernon O. Wood, Jr., his sister, Evelyn Oneal, and his wife of 69 years, Carolyn. Sam is survived by his older daughter, Karen Wood Jones and husband Tom, his younger daughter, Melanie Wood Burkett and husband Craig. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Sami Jones Daniell (Shawn), Erin Walker (Matt), and Zachary Harrison (Mallory). Sam is also survived by his six great-grandchildren, Thomas Halterman, Albany Walker, Victoria Halterman, Jackson Walker, Wesson Harrison, Rowan Harrison, and Great-great grandchild Camden Mosburg.

The family will have a private memorial at a later date, followed by burial with his beloved wife, Carolyn, in a family plot in Barstow, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in memory of Sam be sent to: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3011 W. Kansas Avenue, Midland, Texas 79707; Manor Park Benevolent Fund, 5212 Sinclair Avenue, Midland, Texas 79707; Hospice of Midland, 911 W. Texas Avenue, Midland, Texas, 79701.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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