Charles "Charlie" Wood, 90 of Paxton, died at 11:13 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the Prairie City Wine Room, 155 N. Market Street, Paxton.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Charlie was born February 28, 1935, in Keenes, the son of Bill and Otie Farmer Wood.  He married Jerry Crider July 24, 1960, in Bells, Tennessee.  She survives.

Along with his wife, Jerry, he is survived by a daughter, Peg (Candace Conte) Wood of Seattle, Washington; a son, Bill Wood of Grand Rapids, Michigan; three grandchildren, Ella Conte-Wood, Evan Conte-Wood, Justin Conte-Wood and one brother, Melvin (Carol) Wood of Sandoval.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Bill Wood and three sisters, Jewel Hill, Rena Reed and Carmen Wood.

Charlie grew up in Sandoval and graduated from Vandalia High School in 1953.  He received a Bachelor's Degree in Music, Education and History from Illinois State University and a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Eastern Illinois University.  Charlie was the band director at Stronghurst High School, the band director and principal at Maroa High School and the principal at Nokomis High School before coming to Paxton in 1976 and serving as superintendent of the Paxton and Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District until his retirement in 1993.  After retirement, he worked at the Paxton True Value Store for several years.

He was a member of the Paxton Lions Club.  Charlie was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, enjoyed cars, John Philip Sousa, playing poker and shooting dice.  He loved teaching and was dedicated to the Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District.

Memorials may be made to the PBL Education Foundation.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralserivces.com.