The Richmond News, July 28, 2023

Andrew Joseph “A.J.” Wood died Saturday, July 15, 2023, at his home in Kansas City. He was 40 years old.

His father, Russ Wood (Pamela Randol) of Pleasant Valley; his mother and stepfather, Debra and Brian Dillinger of Duquesne; and his brother, Joshua Wood of Kansas City, survive him.

A.J. was born on April 8, 1983, in Richmond and attended Richmond High School.

A.J. followed his father into auto racing, serving at a young age as his spotter in the NASCAR All-Pro Series. He had early success as a driver in KART events, and formed a third generation of racers, along with a cousin, David Wood of Rayville.

A.J. raced several seasons at Odessa’s I-70 Speedway. His driving career culminated in a handful of starts in the ASA Late Model Series in 2007.

He later worked in auto parts, on race teams and as a fabricator.

The Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri is handling the arrangements. Remembrances of A.J. are welcome on its website, https://www.kccremation.com/ ObituaryDetails.aspx?id=36196.

Services will be private, by invitation.

Andrew Wood