Oklahoma Christian graduate aboard missing Malaysia Airlines jet
An Oklahoma Christian University graduate aboard a missing Malaysia Airlines jet was “a man of God, a man of honor and integrity,” his family said in a statement.
Philip Wood, a 1985 Oklahoma Christian graduate, was one of three Americans believed to be on Flight MH370, which was carrying 239 people.
Wood was the lone American adult on the flight, The Wall Street Journal reported. The other Americans aboard were children: Nicole Meng, 4, and Yan Zhang, 2, USA Today reported.
“I just want to say from our family that Phil loved Christ, his family and everyone,” Wood’s brother James Wood wrote on Oklahoma Christian’s Facebook page. “Our hearts hurt, but we know so many around the world are hurting just as much by this terrible tragedy. Christ is our hope and strength. Please pray for everyone involved during this difficult time.”
In its statement to Dallas-Fort Worth station KXAS-TV, the family said:
Incredibly generous, creative and intelligent, Phil cared about people, his family, and above all, Christ. … As a family, we are sticking together through Christ to get through this. Thank you for your understanding.
Philip Wood, 50, earned his Oklahoma Christian degree in computer science and was a member of the Delta Gamma Sigma social service club, university spokesman Joshua Watson told The Oklahoman.
Wood worked as a technical storage executive at IBM Malaysia, WFAA-TV reported:
“Do you want to know how it feels to lose a son at the age of 50?” said Sondra Wood, Philip’s mother, Saturday from her Keller home.
“It’s devastating. But, I know in my heart that Philip’s with God and I plan to be there with him because I have a deep faith in my God.”
His mother said she was enduring her loss through the help of loved ones.
“I will see him again one day,” she said.
On its Facebook page, the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City said:
(Philip’s) parents, Aubrey & Sondra Wood, were charter members of MRCC and their family is so very loved here. Memorial Road is praying for the Woods and all of these families!
Relatives told The Associated Press they had last seen the former North Texas resident when he visited home about a week ago.
