Bobby Eugene Wood December 22, 1931 ~ November 22, 2021 (age 89)

Obituary

A come and go reception in memory of Bob Wood, 89, currently of Clovis, will be announced at a later time.  Those desiring to make memorial contributions may send them to the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, NM 88130.

Bobby Eugene Wood, known to everyone as Bob, was born Dec. 22, 1931 in Lubbock, TX to the home of Vera (Morgan) and George Washington Wood, and died peacefully on the evening of Nov. 22, 2021 in Clovis, NM.  Bob grew up in Roosevelt County and was a 1949 graduate of Portales High School.  He went on to attend three semesters at ENMU where he studied Business Administration.  In 1951, he joined the US Air Force and served for four years.  Shortly after entering the Air Force, he was married to Patricia Stafford on May 12, 1951.  Following his discharge, he returned to his studies at Eastern, and completed his Bachelor’s degree in 1956.  While he was in college he worked part time at Security Finance, and continued to work there full time after his graduation.  He continued taking night classes over the next several years, and earned his Master’s degree in 1962.

In 1967, he left Security Finance and opened a men’s clothing store.  Two years later he sold the store and on Feb. 1, 1969, he took a position as Vice President at First National Bank in Portales.  Bob later served as Bank President until his retirement on Feb. 1, 1987.  During that time he also served in the capacities of Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer.

Through the years, Bob served on various boards, and committees, helped with numerous fund raising drives, and belonged to different clubs and organizations.  In addition, Bob served as the Senior Senator for Roosevelt, Curry and Chaves Counties for ten years.  For two years during his tenure in the State Legislature Bob was the Majority Whip.

In 1987, he retired completely, and spent his remaining years fishing and playing golf as well as traveling to all fifty states and a few foreign countries as well.  Bob was a member of the Southside Church of Christ in Portales, and was a man who served God, family, his country, his state and his county.  Now in his own words, “That’s all folks, and probably more than you wanted to know.”

Bob is survived by Pat, his wife of more than 70 years of Clovis; two daughters, Katha Burke and Debra Elwood both of Clovis; four grandchildren, Ashlee Moreno, Joel Burke and wife, Raffaela, Lynsay Elwood and husband, Joe Gotz, Cooper Elwood and wife, Chelsea; three great-grandchildren, G. K. Gotz, Bodhi Kai Burke and Ellie Elwood.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ann Trotter.