Roy Don Wright, 81, of Luray, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
Don was born August 1, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri. The son of Henry and Edith (Pasmore) Wright. He grew up in Kansas City until the age of five when his family moved to Shenandoah, Iowa. After five years they returned to the Kansas City area. Then, in high school, his family moved to Santa Ana, California where he graduated from high school. Don served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1962. He served on the USS Matthews, a cargo ship. After his tour he returned to Santa Ana.
Don was united in marriage to Lynne Fenton on September 28, 1962 in Costa Mesa, California. This union was blessed with a son, Thomas. They were given over 60 years of marriage together. Most of these years were filled with hard work, but also much love and devotion. They were a team, increasingly aware with the passage of time that the Lord held them in His hands. They lived in Washington state, southern Kansas, eastern Oregon, Arkansas, and then moved to Luray in 2003.
Don was blessed with the ability to do many things during his life. He was a truck driver, a mill man at a feed yard, a cutter-grader at Marvin Wood Products in Oregon, a welder, owner and operator of the “Hob Nob” restaurant in Protection, Kansas. He was a member of the Amherst Church. He enjoyed fishing, outdoor photography, traveling with Lynne and creating originally designed greeting cards. Don was unassuming, usually more at home in the background. He put a high value on friendship and was willing to go the extra mile in any way he could.
Don is with the Lord now, joyful and free of any sorrow or pain. He loved his family from the depths of his heart. He leaves behind his wife Lynne of the home; son, Thomas Wright and wife Heather of Pratt, Kansas; as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Wright; and sisters, Ruth Showalter and Betty Smith.
A Graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, July 21, 2023 at the Amherst Cemetery in rural Russell County. No visitation is being held. A Memorial has been established with Amherst Church. Contributions, and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who are in charge of these arrangements.