John Wright

John Eldridge Wright, 81, of Oakley, died Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, KS. He was born June 21, 1935, in Lebanon, MO, to Roy and Charlotte “Lottie” (Simmons) Wright. He graduated from Monument High School in 1954. John married Beverly Holmes in July of 1955, and to this union two children were born. He later married Verna Muehlenkamp in 1976. John began his career at several jobs in the Monument area. He worked as a spotter for a crop sprayer and as a laborer building the Mingo elevator. After he was married to Beverly Holmes they moved to Protection, Kansas, where he worked at Wolfe Motor Company, in Meade, Kansas, as a parts manager, then as Service manager. In 1959 he moved to Oakley and worked at Thelon Ford Tractor. He then took a position as a Firestone representative and moved to Hoxie where he worked in a tire and appliance store. In the early 60’s John went to work at Schulte Home and Auto, in Oakley, in the tire shop and later selling and installing appliances. He sold trailer houses and modular homes for Sun Sales in Oakley. He then went to work at the Western Auto, in Oakley, before purchasing the Coast to Coast Hardware and In 1999 John opened it as Wright’s Own Hardware in Oakley and ran it until his retirement in 2002, when he sold the business. John enjoyed woodworking, motorcycles and fast cars.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Linda Long and Dottie Rummel; stepson Leland Arthur and one great grandchild.

He is survived by his children, David Lee Wright, Sidney, NE and Debra Marie (Kenneth) Schwarz, Topeka, KS; Step-Son Steven (Charm) Arthur, Victoria, KS; sister Glennis (Jim) Pfaff, Grinnell, KS; 13 grandchildren, David (Amy) Schwarz, Greg Schwarz, Brian Schwarz, Lisa Schwarz, Janell Schwarz, Franklin Wright, Amanda (Clifton) Sowers, Cody Wright, Sara Wright, Catherine Wright and Megan Wright, Erin (Sylvia) Arthur, Cole Arthur and 11 great grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen. A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Oakley. Memorials are suggested to the Gideon’s, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com