01/30/2026
DALE B. WOOD
August 11, 1935 to January 29, 2026
Edmond, Oklahoma
Rev. Wood died on January 29, 2026 at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife Jenny, sons Mark Wood (Gale), Brian Wood (Crystal), and Chris Wood (Kristi); step daughters Laura Hinkle (Bruce), Tracy Ritter (Keith), and Nancy Wilmeth (John); ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. In addition, survivors include his former wife Karen Wood, sister-in-law Judy and various nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of colleagues and friends. Dale was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 11, 1935. He was preceded in death by his father William C., mother Esma Irene, and brothers, Bill Jr. and Lynn. Throughout his life music and acting were an important part of both school and community involvement. Travels with Jenny were also a highlight, including trips to the Middle East, Alaska, Nova Scotia, Scandinavia, and many favorite places in the U.S.
He began his adult career in the advertising department of the Tulsa World and Tribune newspapers in Tulsa in 1951, and then as an independent insurance adjuster in Ada, Oklahoma in 1963. He attended the University of Tulsa and Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, TX where he became certified in Christian Education in the United Methodist Church. In 1997 he was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Dale served United Methodist churches in Ada, Duncan, The Village, Chapel Hill in Oklahoma City and at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver, CO where he was Minister of Discipleship, providing counseling to members and constituents, adult education development, and organizational leadership. He served as an Adjunct Professor and taught Christian Education in the School of Religion at Oklahoma City University for two years in the 1980s. Community service included serving on the Board of Directors for the OKC Planned Parenthood Association, and chairing a committee for the OKC School Board. His ministry was focused on congregational care, counseling, organizational development, planning, teaching, and preaching. Dale retired in 1997 after completing 40 years in active ministry. In 2006 he returned to serve part time for seven years at St. Andrew United Methodist church in Highlands Ranch, CO, focusing in the areas of congregational care, chaplain for the 125 member Charles Wesley Choir, and the development of a strong Men’s Ministries. Throughout his ministerial career Dale served in various areas of ministry beyond his local church appointments, including District, Annual Conference, Jurisdictional, and General church positions and responsibilities. Dale’s ministry touched many people in a number of churches and communities. He will be greatly missed by his family and all of those who loved him!
We would like to thank the Integris Baptist ICU and Hospice House for their compassionate care. A time to remember and celebrate together for family and friends will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers we suggest donations to New Hope United Methodist Church, 11600 N. Council Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73162 or Neighborhood Services Organization 431 S.W. 11th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73109.
This service will be streamed at http://facebook.com/newhopokc and then will be available as a recording at http://youtube.com/.