John William HOOD, SR., 89, passed this life Satruday, February 2, 2013 in MedCentral Mansfield Hospital after a three month illness.

Mr. Hood was born on Friday October 5, 1923 to the late Cary and Robertha (James) Hood, Sr. in Brent, Alabama and had lived in Mansfield the past 67 years. He graduated in 1942 from Wilberforce University Vocational School as a Junior Machinist, and in July of 1951 obtained a degree in Building Construction from Commercial Trades Institute, in Chicago. John came to Mansfield in 1946 after serving with the United States Navy from October 1943 – June 1946 as a Seaman First Class Frogman during World War II. He was attached to the 13th C.B. and received an Honorable Discharge, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.

In 1946 John also united with the Mitchell Chapel A.M.E. Church where he remained a faithful member presently under the leadership of Rev. Louise Jackson. He served on the Trustee Board for many years and was honored with the title of Trustee Emeritus, Male Chorus, and the Finance and Building Fund Committee. John was employed at Pepsicola for 3 years, becoming the first black manager of a Mansfield Bottling Company holding that position for 5 years, Wilkins Air Force Depot for 5 years, ending his career with Kingwood Center retiring in 1986 after 27 years of service.

John was involved in his community serving as a volunteer for RSVP, Life Member and Chaplain of D.A.V., Life Member and Trustee of V.F.W. Robert Fuqua Post 2815.

John is survived by his wife of 66 years Mary Elizabeth Woods Hood; 3 daughters: Rev. Juelene Thompson, Akron, Apostle Celestia (Michael) Gibson, East Cleveland, and Pastor Sharon (Robert) Reed-Corbett, Kokomo, Indiana; son: John (Bi-fen) W. Hood, Jr., Cupertino, California; 9 grandchildren:Neil Sims, Joy Jester, Kimberly (Cedric) Samuels, Kraig (Mary) Reed, Keith (Camilla) Feagin, Sr., Karon (Greg) Lancaster, Maura Reed, Alexander Bailey, and Jennifer Hood, 21 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; adopted daughter Rhonda (Carl) Breit and their son Jeremy, Galion; 2 sisters Dorothy (Bobby) Boyd, Mansfield, and Mary Bell Adkinson, Dayton; 2 brothers: Wesley Hood, and Carey (Marjorie) Hood, Jr., Mansfield.

In addition to his parents his 2 daughters Karon Hood and Cassandra Hood-Johnson, 1 sister Norma Hawkins, 7 brothers James, Jeremy, Bernard, Sr., Charley, Robert, Sr., Jerry, and Leon Hood, preceded John in death.

The homegoing celebration will be held Thursday, at 11 in the Oasis Of Love Church with his daughters Apostle Celestia Gibson presiding and Rev. Juelene Thompson delivering the eulogy. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. till time of service. Interment will be in Mansfield Cemetery. The Joint Veteran’s Council’s Burial Detail will conduct military services at the close of the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Mitchell Chapel A.M.E. Church, 182 S. Adams St. 44902, in memory of John W. Hood, Sr.

The family will also receive friends at their home on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m.