Corinth, VT- Earl Wayne Hood, 89, of Corinth, VT, passed peacefully while surrounded by family, on October 5th, 2025.

Wayne was born at home in West Topsham, Vermont, on July 11, 1936. He was one of nine children born to Ruby Mae (Farnham) and Earl Raymond Hood of Orange, VT. Sharing a name with his father caused some confusion early on, so he chose to go by his middle name, "Wayne."

Wayne dropped out of school in the 10th grade to begin working, a decision that would set the tone for a life built on hard work and practical know-how. In 1957, Wayne was drafted into the Army. After basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey, he was stationed at a guided missile base in Malibu, California, where he served as a truck driver. After two years of service in the Army, Wayne continued serving for two years in the reserves, from which he was honorably discharged.

After returning to Vermont, Wayne met Sandra Clark at a town hall dance. They were married on July 3rd, 1964, and had three sons together, Jerry, Tom and Chris. After eight years of marriage, Wayne and Sandra divorced in 1972.

On December 9, 1994, he married Marie Brooks, and together they blended their families to finish raising eight children, a busy and loving home filled with warmth, humor, and plenty of character. He leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship, dedication, and a twinkle in his eye.

Wayne found his calling in the granite industry, where he worked in many granite sheds around the region. Wayne became a highly skilled sandblaster. Flowers, and especially roses, were his specialty.

Outside of work, his hands were rarely idle – he crafted wishing wells, cutting boards, and an array of woodworking projects. A proud steward of a family tradition, Wayne also owned and operated the Hood Sugar Shack, helping keep Vermont's sugaring heritage alive for generations. Wayne was known for his sharp sense of humor, never passing up the chance to tell or hear a good joke. An avid outdoorsman, Wayne enjoyed fishing with his boys and kayaking with his family. He enjoyed family gatherings, camping trips, and reunions, where he would be surrounded by loved ones, laughter, jokes, and stories. Wayne was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Club in Barre, VT for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Brooks of Corinth, his sons, Jerry Hood of East Barre, Thomas Hood of Williamstown, and Chris Hood of Barre; his stepchildren, Patricia Chaffee of Barre, Roger Chaffee of Barre, Thomas Chaffee of Corinth, Terri Smith of East Orange, and Jenny Sweet of West Topsham; along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Earl R. Hood and Ruby (Farnham) Hood, his sister, Betty Ann (Hood) Dugdale, his brothers, Arthur "Stubby" Hood and Robert "Bob" Hood, along with his stepbrother Bernie Bouley and stepsister Betty Webster.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Orange Town Hall on October 24th from 12-4 p.m. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

Condolences may be expressed in an online guestbook found at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Bayada Foundation at PO Box 1590, Norwich, VT 05055.