Byron Leslie Wood

Byron Leslie Wood, age 77, parted from this life into eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ on June 17, 2022, in Springfield, Missouri, with his son, Korey and future daughter-in-law, Chrystene at his side. He was born on April 14, 1945, in Monroe, Michigan, to Leslie Tellus Wood and Juber Wimberly Wood. He married Chelsea Baker in 1983.

Byron was a graduate of Mena High School Class of 1963. Byron had been a truck driver in his early years but went to nursing school at age 45 to become an RN in Portland, Oregon. Upon graduation he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he worked in numerous areas of the hospital until his retirement. He lived a life full of adventure, traveling and backpacking through Europe with his wife. He became a river whitewater certified guide and rescuer, floating many rivers in the Pacific Northwest. He loved camping, skiing, mountain climbing, hiking and fly fishing. He shared his adventures with his family and friends.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Chelsea Baker Wood; brothers, Jimmy Wood and Ronnie Wood; brothers-in-law, Rick Stipe and R C Gilbert; nephews, Greg Stipe and Chris Wood; and niece, Leah Settle.

Byron is survived by his son, Korey Billington-Wood and fiancée, Chrystene Mallett of Springfield, Missouri; his daughter, Karen Brehm of Ventura, California; his brother, Maurice Wood of Van Buren; three sisters, Donna Wood Stipe, Lynda Wood Settle, and Julia Wood Gilbert all of Mena; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

A graveside celebration of Byron’s life will be held at the Cherry Hill Cemetery at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

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Ethan Nahté

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