Donald Eugene Wright

Donald Eugene Wright, age 77 of Braymer, Mo. went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 18, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 29, 1934 the son of Charles and Effie Mae (Goll) Wright in Braymer, Mo. On March 9, 1958, he married the love of his life, Nancy (Dean) Wright of Dearborn, Mo. She survives of the home. Donald was a 1952 graduate of Braymer High School. He was proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force, serving four years during the Korean War. He was an engine mechanic and a flight engineer attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and honorably discharged in June 1956 receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Air Crew Members Badge. Don returned to Braymer and went to work in Kansas City at Westinghouse Corp and then Bendix Corp. He soon met and married Nancy. While working full time, Don attended the Junior College of Kansas City graduating in 1961 with an Associate of Arts degree and then attended classes at University of Kansas City and worked as a real estate broker. In 1965 Donald, Nancy and children moved to Braymer to begin dairy farming and opened Wright Insurance and Tax Service selling different kinds of insurance. He prepared income taxes, and did farm and business accounting for 46 years. He also worked for Caldwell County Mutual Insurance Co., Cameron Mutual Insurance Co., and Jerry Baker Insurance. He served as Chairman of the Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Companies in 1982/83. Don retired from farming in 1975 and moved the family into town. He was generous with his time and very active in the community as long as he was able. He was mayor of Braymer for 4 years, served on the Braymer C-4 School Board several terms and was a loyal Braymer Bobcat fan. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and was a Scoutmaster of Troop 110 for several years and was an honorary member of the tribe of Mic-O-Say. He was a member of the Braymer United Methodist Church, Tweedie-Murray American Legion Post 117 where he served several leadership roles, Lyons Club, Masonic Lodge #334, Braymer Community Historical Society and the Rotary Club. Don enjoyed studying the bible and talking about the word of God, bowling, playing pool, fishing, and was always creating "something out of nothing" making jewelry, woodworking, gardening and cooking creating his well known "Quick Strips" which were served at Uncle Donnie's Restaurant in Braymer and Jefferson City. He was a very loving and devoted husband, dad and grandpa "Pepa". Survivors include Nancy, his wife of 53 years, of the home, 2 daughters and 2 sons: Deana Osgood and husband Kirk of Chaska, MN, Donna Wright of Liberty, MO., Lyndel and wife Wendy of Springfield, MO. and Loren and wife Bobbie of Kearney, MO. Grandchildren include; Abby, Tony and Andy Viszlay, Lauren and Isaac Brizendine, Kassie Wright and Halle Wright and one great-grandchild, Alexia Viszlay. Step grandchildren; Joann, Michael, Hillary & Lauren Osgood, two step grandchildren, Mackenzie and Arabia Osgood, Sister-in-Law, Edna Fay Wright, nieces and nephews and a large extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents and his twin siblings Lynn Wright and Lorene Hays. The family extends their deepest appreciation to Three Rivers Hospice staff for the expert care and support. They thank the many visitors who came to the hospital, nursing home to all who stopped by their home to visit and encourage them and for all the many cards and prayers said to lift them up. Donald will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.Funeral services will be at Braymer United Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 22 at 10:00AM. A family visitation is scheduled for Tuesday June 21st from 6 - 8 PM at Pitts Funeral Home in Braymer, Missouri and Burial at Evergreen Cemetery with a military service at the gravesite. Memorial contributions may be given to the Braymer United Methodist Church or the Three Rivers Hospice and may be left or mailed to Pitts Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, MO 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Pitts Funeral Home Braymer, Missouri