In Memoriam: Mervel Wood

Mervel E. Wood, the last surviving founder of Wood Brothers Manufacturing Co., an Association member, passed away on June 16. He was 94.  He served in the Naval Reserve from 1943 to 1946.

Mr. Wood and his brothers, Keith and Leonard, founded Wood Brothers Manufacturing Co. in 1946 in Oregon, IL. The company produced rotary mowers and related farm implements.

Mervel retired from Wood Brothers in 1972 and later purchased Rocket Trailer Sales in Rock Falls. He retired in 1985.

The Rural Lifestyle Dealer team spent an afternoon with Mervel in the fall of 2011 and have posted a portion of the video. Mervel shares some early history of the company as he took the first order for the Woods Rotary Mower. 

Memorials may be made to the Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund, 4141 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Visit fitzgeraldfh.com to send condolences. S