Robert Travis Wood

Robert Travis Wood was born on February 22, 1937, on a ranch in Concho County. He passed away on February 24, 2024, at the age of 87. He grew up with six siblings 15 miles south of Paint Rock, Texas, and graduated from Paint Rock High School where he excelled in athletics. He attended San Angelo College for two years through 1958 and then joined the United States Army. Robert served in the army for three years, spending his last year stationed in South Korea. He married Glenda Jean Thomas on December 6, 1959.

Robert joined the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a game warden in 1966. He received his training at Texas A&M University in College Station. His first assignment was in Houston, Harris County Texas. After that, he served in Taylor County, living in Abilene for two years before moving to Ballinger in 1971. He served Runnels County for over 20 years, retiring in 1992.

During his time as a game warden, Robert was honored as the top game warden by the Southeastern Texas Game and Fish Association during a convention in Mobile, Alabama. The association received recommendations from state game and fish departments, and they selected top wardens from those candidates. Robert was honored for his outstanding record in solving game cases, working well with fellow officers, and performing his duties as a game warden in a professional manner. While employed by the state, Robert was also a member of shooting teams and was known for his shooting accuracy.

Robert spent time ranching throughout his life in Concho County on the Wood/Novian Ranch, which has been in his family for over 100 years.  He enjoyed raising cattle and goats and maintaining the family land. Robert also loved spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them a love for the outdoors through shooting, hunting, and fishing.

Robert is survived by Glenda Wood, two children - Kathy Hansen (husband Andy) and Dawn Sproat - and eight grandchildren: Meredith, Andrew, Judge, Harris and Margo Hansen, and Kristen, Eddie and Kendall Sproat, one brother, Mike Wood from Lynnwood, Washington, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Dola Wood, three sisters (Jan Hubenak, Judy Thompson, and Gwen Swann), and two brothers (Eddie Wood and Richard Wood).

Robert's visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home.  His funeral service will be held the following day, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10:00 am at the 8th St. First Baptist Church of Ballinger with Marty Akins officiating.  Interment will be held at Evergreen Cemetery also in Ballinger.