Bobby Jo Wood

Bobby Jo Wood, age 68 of Elkhart, passed away on June 8, 2026. Bobby was born in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Jesse “Paul” and Naomi (Barhan) Wood. On July 2, 1988, he married Valerie Hall in Elkhart and together they celebrated over 37 years of marriage before her passing on October 29, 2025.

He is survived by his daughters Tamitha Sage and Lorinda Allard, along with 6 grandchildren; Brad (Jamie), Chelsea, Gary (Katya), Tony (Jacqueline), Devin and Casey, and 4 great grandchildren; Natalia, Noah, River, and Baker. Surviving as well are his siblings Paul (Jolinda) Wood, Geraldine Testo, Sherry Farris, Peggy Couch and James “Bud” Wood. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Miller.

Bobby loved sports, especially the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Minnesota Vikings football teams, NASCAR with his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon, and going several times a year with Valerie to the NHRA Drag Races. He also enjoyed being outdoors fishing or cooking on the grill whenever he had the chance.

Family was at the center of Bobby's life. He loved being at home, spending time with those he loved, and was always ready with a joke or story to make people laugh. His grandchildren especially looked forward to his world-famous "Thick or Thicker" chocolate milkshakes, which they could only earn after singing him a song first.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the 1:00 pm funeral service on Monday, June 15, 2026 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

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