Welcome to the memorial page for
A. Wallace Hood
February 11, 1935 ~ April 28, 2017 (age 82) 82 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from david mclaughlin
August 15, 2017 8:21 PM
I had no idea....i loved wally and shared some of my best years of coaching and life with him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Message from Ty Clarke
May 14, 2017 1:05 PM
Dear Erma, Lee, Jeff & Jay
Sharon and I just heard about Wally's passing. So sorry...he was a great friend and mentor. My fondest memories as a coach were at ONU and Fairmont State. Wally and Erma truly made coaching fun, both in the office and at our homes.
Jeff, we had a lot of fun creating a defense that was the best in the NAIA. Really miss those times.
God bless your families.
Ty and Sharon Clarke
Sharon and I just heard about Wally's passing. So sorry...he was a great friend and mentor. My fondest memories as a coach were at ONU and Fairmont State. Wally and Erma truly made coaching fun, both in the office and at our homes.
Jeff, we had a lot of fun creating a defense that was the best in the NAIA. Really miss those times.
God bless your families.
Ty and Sharon Clarke
Message from Jeff
May 15, 2017 6:35 AM
Thanks Ty, you don't realize at the time how great it was to be a part of a Wally Hood staff. We will all miss him. Jeff
A Designers Choice was sent on May 12, 2017
Thinking of all of you. Jay & Lori Meyer
Message from Dean Paul
May 12, 2017 12:03 PM
Our staff enjoyed getting to know Coach Hood over the years and admired his passion for the game and his players. We will miss the annual visits with him when he stopped on campus, or when we saw him at coaching functions. Please accept our condolences.
An A GARDEN PATH was sent on May 12, 2017
The ONU Football Family, and Athletic Department would like to express our deepest condolences to the entire Hood family.
A SENTIMENTAL THOUGHTS was sent by Baldwin Wallace University Athletic Department on May 10, 2017
A candle was lit by Tom Simmons
on May 9, 2017 9:39 AM
Message from Tom Simmons
May 9, 2017 9:38 AM
The Athletic Department at Ohio Northern University sends our sincere condolences to the Hood family in the loss of our friend Wally. He was instrumental in the life-changing decisions of many students in their decisions to attend ONU. His impact on the ONU campus is still felt and appreciated.
Message from Steve Stohla
May 8, 2017 8:31 AM
Coach Hood 'carried' me through my last three years at BW. I have so many memories of Coach and all are good. He cared deeply for his family and treated his players like family. May he rest in peace!
Message from Joe D. Jones (FSU- 85-89)
May 6, 2017 3:53 PM
Our sincere condolences to the family. Fond memories of my time as a Falcon with Coach Hood. Prayers for the family.
Joe and DeeDee Jones
Joe and DeeDee Jones
Message from Jerry & Barbara Priest
May 6, 2017 1:46 PM
Wally was an all around friendly nice guy. It was our privilege to know him and play a few rounds of golf with him and Irma at Chapel Hill GC. Please accept our condolences.
A candle was lit by The Tony Mulholland Family
on May 5, 2017 3:13 PM
Message from David Puterbaugh
May 5, 2017 1:32 PM
I didn't meet Wally until a year ago when I heard him give a talk about the amazing story of a relative - Lt. John Herb (2nd cousin) - who was killed in a WWII plane crash in 1945 in Germany and who was not identified until 70 years later. He was subsequently buried at Arlington National Cemetery in 2015. I met with Wally numerous times over the last year as I gathered information for writing a story about John Herb. I spent many enjoyable hours hearing him tell about this story and reviewing the extensive information he had meticulously gathered. I experienced the same qualities in my contact with Wally to whom many of your posts from previous years attest. He was kind, generous with his time, enthusiastic, and very detail oriented. My last meeting was as recent as March 30 when he knew he was having some medical issues but was not aware of the seriousness of them. I treasure the memories of the time I spent with him.
Message from Bob Fisher BW Football, retired
May 5, 2017 10:19 AM
Coach Hood loved football. It was his life's passion, second only to his family. Wally coached a lot of good teams at a number of fine schools, but he always cherished his years on Lee Tressel's staff at BW. He was a true disciple of Dr. Tressel, his former coach who became his life-long mentor. And, what a good and morally sound life Wally led, always in the service of others. Our prayers go out to Irma, Lee, Jeff, and Jay. May God bless you and give you peace.
A candle was lit by Brian Allen
on May 4, 2017 3:56 PM
Message from Nancy & Chuck Bell
May 4, 2017 9:50 AM
Our deepest sympathy to you Irma and your entire family. Wally lived the fullest life in his 82 years that we have ever witnessed. We have been so lucky to be a part of his life the last three years at Copeland Oaks. He was a vibrant slice of life and has left a lasting impression on us and all who he has encountered. May he rest in peace without pain and suffering with His Maker.
A candle was lit by Julie Freemantle, Richmond, BC, Canada
on May 3, 2017 8:24 PM
Message from niles betz
May 3, 2017 9:06 AM
We have all lost a fantastic person and mentor, my wife and I both feel blessed to have known Wally for at least a year here at Copeland, Our prayers our with the family. Niles and Sandy Betz
Message from Henry Zaborniak
May 3, 2017 7:32 AM
Dear Mrs. Hood and family,
I met Coach Hood in early 1974 on the campus of ONU. I was fortunate to maintain a special relationship with my coach, teacher, mentor and friend throughout all of these years. He was instrumental in my successes professionally and in sports officiating. What a privilege for me to have known the fine Hood sons. Good kids grown into great men. I'm certain you all know that Coach Hood was indeed a special guy who helped so many people reach their dreams. He will be missed. Thank you for sharing him with us.
I met Coach Hood in early 1974 on the campus of ONU. I was fortunate to maintain a special relationship with my coach, teacher, mentor and friend throughout all of these years. He was instrumental in my successes professionally and in sports officiating. What a privilege for me to have known the fine Hood sons. Good kids grown into great men. I'm certain you all know that Coach Hood was indeed a special guy who helped so many people reach their dreams. He will be missed. Thank you for sharing him with us.
A candle was lit by Jerry Wasserman
on May 2, 2017 8:28 PM
Message from Tom Beck
May 2, 2017 5:31 PM
Wally Hood was the head football coach at Ohio Northern from 1974-1983. He developed a culture of team unity and tough physical football teams during those years. These elements still thrive with ONU football today. He was dedicated to football, but most importantly he was a family man first. I was a member of Coach Hood's first recruiting class at Northern, and was amazed by his unending energy and dedication to helping his players mature as young men. Coach Hood is a coaching legend. I will miss him.
Message from Colin and Marian Cameron
May 2, 2017 4:53 PM
Dear Irma and family,
We are sad to learn of Wally's passing. He was a good man, good friend, great coach, and student mentor. He set a good example for all. He will be missed.
Colin and Marian
We are sad to learn of Wally's passing. He was a good man, good friend, great coach, and student mentor. He set a good example for all. He will be missed.
Colin and Marian
Message from Barry Benedict
May 2, 2017 1:56 PM
Condolences from Barry Benedict
Message from Rusty Elliott
May 2, 2017 8:37 AM
Irma and family
Mary Jo and I are very sorry for your loss. Coach Hood was a great coach, mentor, teacher, and more important a great friend of many coaches. I was lucky enough to be one of them. I owe my 25 years of college coaching to Coach Hood. It was an honor to work with him at Fairmont State. He taught more than just X's and O's. He taught LIFE lessons that will stay with me forever. The Thursday night dinners that Coach and Irma had at their house (the conversations about life and how to live it) is still talked about in our home to this day. Thank you for all you have done for me and my family.
Sadly missed but never forgotten.
Rusty and Mary Jo Elliott.
Mary Jo and I are very sorry for your loss. Coach Hood was a great coach, mentor, teacher, and more important a great friend of many coaches. I was lucky enough to be one of them. I owe my 25 years of college coaching to Coach Hood. It was an honor to work with him at Fairmont State. He taught more than just X's and O's. He taught LIFE lessons that will stay with me forever. The Thursday night dinners that Coach and Irma had at their house (the conversations about life and how to live it) is still talked about in our home to this day. Thank you for all you have done for me and my family.
Sadly missed but never forgotten.
Rusty and Mary Jo Elliott.
Message from Kris Diaz
May 2, 2017 8:24 AM
Wally was a great man and coach who had long lasting influences with those he coached at BW. He will always be part of the "BW Family", once a Yellow Jacket always a Yellow Jacket, YJ4L!
Message from Steve Lee
May 2, 2017 8:09 AM
I would like the entire Hood family to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We thoroughly enjoyed our time coaching with Wally during his first three seasons at Fairmont and the after game gatherings at your home. I always looked forward to seeing Wally at conferences and catching up with each others families. He was a special person in many individuals lives and could always be counted on for advise.
A candle was lit by Terry Zartman family
on May 2, 2017 7:57 AM
Message from Anthony (Tony) Ierulli
May 2, 2017 7:53 AM
A good man and friend. Known Wally since he was the head coach at Fairmont State while I was coaching at Salem College. We would always sit down and visit each year at the American Football Coaches Convention. Very well respected in our coaching profession. Wall had a great life. Prayers from the Ierulli family.
A candle was lit by Jeffrey Tinnell
on May 2, 2017 6:28 AM
A candle was lit by Todd Atkins and Family
on May 2, 2017 12:39 AM
Message from Bill Phillips and Family, Japan
May 1, 2017 11:23 PM
Our prayers are with the entire family during this difficult period. It was a joy to see "Coach" around College Park and banter with my father during their time at Fairmont State. A favorite memory comes to mind with "Coach Wally" was the time he asked some of the neighborhood boys and college students if we "wanted to make some dough painting an old house." First, we didn't know it was The Hoods! Second, we didn't know how scary it was until we had to step out on the ledge from the bathroom window to paint the shutters from the 3rd floor and the back side planks. Coach said, "It's not that high when I look at from here", with that grin on his face. Erma would bring us drinks and ensure we made it through the day....and "Coach" would stop in every few hours to "See how the boys are doing." At the end of the day, the house looked great and in the final week "Coach" had a paint brush in his hands standing on the ladder helping us "get it done." Both parents are of great integrity and FSC was fortunate to have him during the period that we did. Rest in Peace and God Speed to the entire Hood family.
A candle was lit by Sharon Pitts and family.
on May 1, 2017 11:19 PM
Message from Karen And Tony Condeni
May 1, 2017 11:18 PM
It was with sadness that I read of Wally's passing. Many fond memories of working with him when he was at ONU... we recruited hundreds of students together by coordinating admission and financial aid efforts with his keen eye for academic and athletic talent. Wally was a sincere hard working guy who always took time with each person he knew. He was so proud of his family and devoted. Thank you Wally for being kind and respectful to me ( as a young administrator) . You will be missed! 🤗❤️
Message from Jim Meyer
May 1, 2017 9:54 PM
To the Hood family, our deepest sympathies!
Wally was a great one! The Coaching world just won't be the same without Wally! I miss him already.
Wally was a great one! The Coaching world just won't be the same without Wally! I miss him already.
Message from Jon Wirth
May 1, 2017 9:48 PM
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Coach's family. When I was discharged from the Marines, I went to see my highschool football coach about suggestions on trying to find a college coach who would give me an opportunity to play football. Coach Skip Baughman said to come back into the school the next day because he had a friend, who was a college coach, that he would introduce me to. I did exactly what Coach Baughman said and the next day I met Coach Wally Hood , who agreed to give me a chance. I only played one year under Coach Hood , before he moved on . In that year I realized how great of an opportunity this great man had afforded me. I will be forever grateful for that opportunity. I imagine that right now Coach Baughman is showing Coach Hood the layout of Heaven. R. I. P. Coach.
A candle was lit by Jon Wirth former player.
on May 1, 2017 9:31 PM
Message from Sharon K Pitts and family.
May 1, 2017 5:15 PM
Thinking of all of you
Message from Bryan Wilson
May 1, 2017 2:14 PM
Thoughts and Prayers are with the Hood family. It was such a great pleasure and honor to play football for a great coach. I have so many great memories of the four years spend with Coach Hood at Fairmont State. He will be missed but not forgotten. Thanks Coach Hood for all you taught me about football and more important life. Thank you Hood family for sharing such a great man.
Message from Rusty Richards
May 1, 2017 1:56 PM
Prayers to the Hood family and friends. Coach was a class act and not only did he teach us how to be football players but also how to be better men off the football field. It was a great time at Otterbein playing and coaching for Coach Hood.
Rusty Richards (Otterbein 2000)
Rusty Richards (Otterbein 2000)
A candle was lit by David & Reba Allen
on May 1, 2017 12:18 PM
Message from Shane Rannebarger and Famiky
May 1, 2017 12:08 PM
I'm memory of Coach Hood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Coach Hood. He will be missed.
My truest most heart felt condolences
Shane Rannebarger Otterbein 2002
My truest most heart felt condolences
Shane Rannebarger Otterbein 2002
A candle was lit by Shane Rannebarger and Family
on May 1, 2017 12:03 PM
Message from Robert J. Cable
May 1, 2017 11:06 AM
Ms. Hood and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Coach Hood was the Football Coach at Fairmont State College my first two years as the Athletic Trainer. He was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with. I learn a great deal watch and listening to him and how he coached and dealt with young people. For me, he will be missed tremendously but, he and his lessons will never be forgotten...
Robert J. Cable
I am so very sorry for your loss. Coach Hood was the Football Coach at Fairmont State College my first two years as the Athletic Trainer. He was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with. I learn a great deal watch and listening to him and how he coached and dealt with young people. For me, he will be missed tremendously but, he and his lessons will never be forgotten...
Robert J. Cable
Message from Tim McNeely, Director of Athletics, Fairmont State University
May 1, 2017 10:56 AM
On behalf of the Fairmont State University Athletics family we would like to send our most sincere condolences to Coach Hood's family. Wally Hood is a revered name in the history books at Fairmont State and, although I didn't have the good fortune to know Coach Hood during those years, many folks in Fairmont and North Central WV still talk about what great coach he was. And, more importantly what a great leader of young men he was. Thanks again, Coach Hood, for your service and dedication to FSU and all the young lives you touched. Mrs. Hood and the entire family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Message from Pat Burson
May 1, 2017 10:24 AM
Thoughts and Prayers are with the Hood family. I had the honor of playing for Coach Hood at Fairmont State. He was truly a great coach and teacher; but he was even a better person. He instilled work ethic and values that I still carry with me today. Fortunately, his legacy lives on not only through his sons and grandchildren, but also through the countless number of former players and coaches in which he had such a tremendous impact upon.
Message from Mike Ancona
May 1, 2017 9:48 AM
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Hood. I always enjoyed the times when Wally would stop and chat during summer camps, recruiting nights or even after his retirement dropping into the offices at Capital to talk football and life. Coach Hood was passionate about football and cared about people. My condolences to the entire Hood family.
Message from LTC Gordon Moon
May 1, 2017 9:28 AM
To the Hood family my deepest condolences. Coach Hood taught me many things during my time at Fairmont State. When I showed up there as an 18 year old place kicker, I was excited. The same summer the NCAA changed the rules and took away the kicking tee for field goals. I wasn't able to adjust and thought about quitting Football. Coach Hood said not to give up and try punting. Four years later, I was a two time All Conf Punter and All American. He never gave up on me and that stayed with me my entire life. When I took men into combat years later, I had the same talk with them as Coach had with me. He was a class act and will be missed but never forgotten. RIP Coach and thank you.
A candle was lit by The Ohio High School Athletic Association
on May 1, 2017 8:34 AM
Message from Beau Rugg
May 1, 2017 8:32 AM
Wally was a special person and a wonderful ambassador for football in the state of Ohio. On behalf of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, I send my deepest sympathies to the Hood family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Message from Geoffrey and Sheila Rettig
May 1, 2017 8:30 AM
So sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Hood. He leaves behind a proud legacy of the integrity he instilled in his family and all the young men he coached and mentored. The Hoods will be in our prayers.
Message from Mick Secrest
May 1, 2017 7:35 AM
I've met a lot of wonderful people along the way in my world of sport. Wally was one of the best. A true gentleman. He will be missed but never forgotton.
Message from Dale and Darlene Brown Vandemark
May 1, 2017 3:31 AM
Irma, Lee, Jeff and Jay.
Dale and I send our sincerest condolences to you on Wally's passing. He was a good man in every sense of the word. Someday maybe I'll get the chance to tell you about our first meeting in the faculty lounge at Northern - pure Wally. We are keeping you and many good memories of Wally in our hearts. Darlene and Dale Vandemark (Ada, Ohio)
Dale and I send our sincerest condolences to you on Wally's passing. He was a good man in every sense of the word. Someday maybe I'll get the chance to tell you about our first meeting in the faculty lounge at Northern - pure Wally. We are keeping you and many good memories of Wally in our hearts. Darlene and Dale Vandemark (Ada, Ohio)
A candle was lit by Brian Foos/Former Player
on April 30, 2017 11:03 PM
Message from Bob Colbert
April 30, 2017 11:02 PM
Wally was a good man. Please accept my sincere condolences.
A candle was lit by Jay and Renee Hood
on April 30, 2017 10:58 PM
Message from Barbara Carlson Fryman
April 30, 2017 10:01 PM
Erma Jean and family, sorry to hear about your loss. I was always excited to hear of his accomplishments in sports and life. I always shared with my family and my daughter just called me. Her friend posted the obituary on facebook. Right away she called. I will keep your family in my prayers, and will miss my second cousin. Love to all. Barbara Fryman
Message from Todd Stepsis
April 30, 2017 9:42 PM
My deepest sympathies to the Hood family. Coach Hood gave me my first opportunity in coaching. 18 years have passed, and my fond memories of him and those 2 years together will not be forgotten. He always went out of his way to talk to me either at OHSAA functions or AFCA conventions, and his positive words and energy have left a lasting impression on me. He always treated people the right way, and he will be missed.
Message from Doug Phillips
April 30, 2017 9:27 PM
Honored to have known Coach Hood. Left an everlasting impression on what it means to be an educator/coach. We all hope to have an impact on players/coaches the way Coach Hood has done the past 45 years. Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
A candle was lit by Rick Krejci, former player
on April 30, 2017 9:15 PM
A candle was lit by Gerald Cooke
on April 30, 2017 8:53 PM
Message from Tim Glauer
April 30, 2017 8:18 PM
Condolences to Irma ,Lee,Jay, Jeff, & The Hood Family
I am proud to have been a member on Coach's first teams at Ohio Northern University. He cared about his players as student athletes. As an educator and coach myself, he became a mentor to me. Upon our retirements he became a close friend and golfing partner. There will be a void in my life not being able to share that experience again, but the memories will never fade. He was a gem !!!!!! Rest in Peace Coach Tim Glauer
I am proud to have been a member on Coach's first teams at Ohio Northern University. He cared about his players as student athletes. As an educator and coach myself, he became a mentor to me. Upon our retirements he became a close friend and golfing partner. There will be a void in my life not being able to share that experience again, but the memories will never fade. He was a gem !!!!!! Rest in Peace Coach Tim Glauer
Message from Maury Waugh
April 30, 2017 7:17 PM
Wally was a great football coach and an even better person. Jay, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Maury Waugh
Maury Waugh
Message from Richard M. Ahlstrom
April 30, 2017 5:17 PM
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Wally and I were good friends from the first grade of school through the senior year. He visited us in Dallas several times when he was in town. My parents were good friends of his grandparents and parents. We wish you all well!
Message from Karl Johnson
April 30, 2017 4:54 PM
My deepst St condolences to the entire Hood family. I had the opportunity to get to know Wally through the OHSFCA. He always had time to talk and share a story or two. He was first class all the way.
A candle was lit by Coach Dave Smith, Otterbein University
on April 30, 2017 4:00 PM
Message from Dave Smith
April 30, 2017 3:59 PM
Will also remember Coach Hood as I began my college coaching with him at Otterbein University. Was always fun to work with and learn many a lesson from Coach. Will be greatly missed! Prayers for the family. RIP Coach Hood. Coach Dave Smith, Otterbein University
Message from Lori and Jay Meyer
April 30, 2017 2:53 PM
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Hood. What a legacy he left. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
A candle was lit by Lori and Jay Meyer
on April 30, 2017 2:51 PM
A candle was lit by Bill &a Gretchen Robinson
on April 30, 2017 2:11 PM
A candle was lit by David McCarley
on April 30, 2017 10:01 AM
Message from Greg Pscodna
April 30, 2017 9:58 AM
Jeff and the entire Hood Family:
Would like to send my continuing thoughts and prayers to you all. Your Dad was a tremendous mentor to me in establishing my coaching career. I met you Dad when we played at Adrian and when I started my coaching track we always stayed in contact and met for at least 30 minutes every national convention to catch up.
He gave me some great advice over the years and I credit him for me staying in this great profession. He was a great man and mentor.
The world lost a great man. I will say a extra prayer for the entire Hood Family today.
God Bless
Greg Pscodna
Would like to send my continuing thoughts and prayers to you all. Your Dad was a tremendous mentor to me in establishing my coaching career. I met you Dad when we played at Adrian and when I started my coaching track we always stayed in contact and met for at least 30 minutes every national convention to catch up.
He gave me some great advice over the years and I credit him for me staying in this great profession. He was a great man and mentor.
The world lost a great man. I will say a extra prayer for the entire Hood Family today.
God Bless
Greg Pscodna
Message from J.P. Jan (Pilarczyk)Shorts
April 30, 2017 8:23 AM
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Message from Henry Stanford
April 30, 2017 7:59 AM
Wally was a special coach, mentor and friend. Words cannot explain what he meant to me and my family. The coaching world just lost a great one! Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Hood family!
A candle was lit by Ing Family
on April 30, 2017 7:12 AM
Message from Rebekah Carlisle, Executive Director, Otterbein "O" Club
April 29, 2017 10:34 PM
To the Hood family: On behalf of the Otterbein "O" Club, please accept our deepest condolences on the death of Coach Hood. Over his six seasons at Otterbein he positively impacted the lives of countless student-athletes and will be remembered as a man of integrity and optimism. We will miss his attendance at our Leather Helmet Club breakfast meetings.
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