It is with deeply saddened hearts we announce that our devoted patriarch, Jerry Dean Wood, 86, of Peoria, has gone to his eternal life in Heaven. Friday, April 3, 2026, with his wife and daughter by his side, he peacefully passed on.

Born as “Baby Boy Wood” to Raymond Cleveland and Edna Nora (Bull) Wood of Wichita Falls, TX, he was the youngest of the 12 Wood children. He had 3 half-siblings on his father’s side, followed by his 3 sisters and 4 brothers, with one child being stillborn. When he was just 4, his teenage brother, Wayne, ran away from home to the Arizona desert. The rest of the family soon followed and they all settled in Phoenix.

As the baby of the family, his older siblings doted on him the best they could, and he learned at a young age that family was the most important thing in the world. He grew up alongside some of his nieces and nephews and later raised his own 3 children alongside their cousins, forging relationships that still remain strong today.

He vowed to never let his own children grow up without financial security, working hard in construction and eventually starting an agency with Farmers Insurance. He had a natural charisma that made him a top sales performer with Farmers, regularly earning his spot at “Toppers”, a luxury retreat Farmers awarded to the top agencies every year. He shared an office with his brothers Roy, and later Wayne, and eventually his oldest daughter, Jeri, when she started her own agency.

The title he was always the most proud of was “Papa”. Becoming a grandfather was the highlight of his life. He spent as much time as possible with his oldest grandchild, and was actively involved in the lives of his great-grandchildren. His active lifestyle, cheerful demeanor, and unyielding strength reminded us all that with hard work and close family, we could accomplish anything.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of kindness and, perhaps more importantly, a masterclass in how to love a spouse. He was never happier than when he was with his best friend and wife, Julia. While Jerry wore many hats throughout his life, his greatest and most cherished role was that of a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. From the moment they met in 1998 at a Christian Square-dancing event, Jerry made it his life’s mission to ensure Julia felt loved and adored. He was the man who still held her hand in the car after 25 years of marriage; theirs was a true partnership built on a foundation of laughter and an unbreakable family bond. An explorer at heart, Jerry and Julia embarked on countless excursions. From the dust of the quad trails to the calm of the open water and the many miles logged in their RV, every trip was a new chapter in their shared love story. He often said that his greatest achievement was the life and home he built by Julia's side with their blended family.

He was welcomed Home by his parents, siblings, his son Billy Wood, his daughter Cynthia Browning, and his step-daughter Pamela Trotter. He is survived by his daughter Jeri Coslett-Muirhead (Dean), his grandchildren, Charlene John, Christopher (Ana) Wood, Justin Wood, Robert Wood, and Duane Browning, his 5 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Jerry’s love lives on through his wife, Julia Wood, and the family they shared: Joseph Atkinson Jr., Ron and Anne Atkinson, Robin and Kim Atkinson, Jeff and Ashley Atkinson, Cathleen Senter-Burt, Kelvin Trotter, and Sheri and David Alvarado. He is also survived by the 22 grandchildren he embraced as his own through Julia, all of whom will deeply miss their "Papa."

He leaves behind an enduring legacy of family strength and support, and we will carry on his memory for future generations to come.

There will be a memorial on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Menke Funeral Home in Sun City, with a small gathering afterwards. The memorial will be livestreamed on the Menke website for those that are unable to attend.