5/20/1947 – 3/29/2024
Lawrence, Kansas
Paul Wood passed away on March 29, 2024 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on May 20, 1947, but grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas, and spent much of his life here in Lawrence—first as an art student at the University of Kansas and then as a paraprofessional for Lawrence public school district, and finally working for the children’s section at Lawrence Public Library, where he led the Magic Tree House Book Club and Multicultural Storytime.
Paul was a lifelong learner and took classes in Spanish and Latin American studies while living and working in San Francisco and traveled to several countries in Latin America. He appreciated other cultures and was exceptional at helping children learn to read. He loved books, especially children’s literature, and was gifted with an artist’s eye and craftsmanship, which are just some of the qualities that made him a well-loved educator and librarian. He was known by his many friends and associates as a kind and good man, an elegant raconteur, and a devoted father to his only child, his son, Jason.
Paul is survived by his son, Jason Wood, his former wife, Cecilia Wood, his siblings Mary Pfister, Nancy Yohe, and John Wood, and their families, brother-in-law Tom Yohe, nephews Greg and Michael Pfister and Eric Yohe, and his niece, Beth Yohe.
A remembrance will be held on Monday, May 20th, 2024 (his birthday) at the Union Pacific Depot at 402 N 2nd St, in Lawrence from 6-8pm. All who knew Paul are welcome to attend the remembrance, which will be a potluck (alcohol not permitted) with time to share memories of Paul.
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