LA PLATA COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

                               William Wood Community Basketball Court

 

On Sunday, May 17, 1959, the William Wood Community Basketball Court was dedicated in memory of Private William “Billy” Wood. The son of Laverne and Leola Wood was a lifelong resident of La Plata, MO. Billy graduated from La Plata High School in 1954 and attended the Teachers College, now known as Truman State University, for three years. He was a member of the Community Presbyterian Church.

 

At age 22, Billy lost his life at Fort Hunter Ligge Military Base in California while on maneuvers from Fort Ord, California where he was stationed. In his memory, the community established a regulation-sized basketball court due to his love of the sport.

 

On the day of the dedication, Creel Dixon opened the ceremony with a welcome address followed by the invocation by Reverend Claude Thompson. Superintendent of Schools Floyd Cokerham and Larry Wilgus spoke representing the youth of the community. The dedication of the court was made by Reverand Clyde Miller with acceptance for the community being made by Mayor Mac E. Belt. In closing, Reverand Frank Stout gave the benediction.

 

The William Wood Community Basketball Court has served the residents of La Plata for the past 65 years.