Robert Coleman Wright was born June 18, 1934, in Clinton, Missouri, to proud parents Lorenzo Dail Wright and Dorothy Elizabeth (Manuel) Wright. He joined his family and friends in heaven on June 14, 2023, at Appleton City Manor in Appleton City, Missouri, at the age of 88. In his last few hours of life, he was surrounded by family, who shared their favorite memories with him.
Robert (better known as Bobby Cole or Bob) Wright lived at his birth home in Clinton, Missouri, for one year before moving to Garden City, Missouri, after his parents purchased the Garden City Hatchery, later known as ABC Farms and Hatchery. His family also owned the Wright Manufacturing Company, and Bob worked for both companies growing up. One aspect of his job was to be available during hatchings, and he was sometimes required to stay overnight at the hatchery to analyze the cause if new baby chicks died.
During his childhood and adolescence, Bob spent many hours hunting and fishing on his family’s property, mentored by his father, who was also an avid outdoorsman. Bob’s mother and father were both pilots, and he joined them in this venture. Bob even flew himself to his first solo flight.
Bob graduated from Garden City High School in 1952 and always joked that he was in the top 10 of his graduating class, often failing to mention that his graduating class only consisted of 10 students. He played basketball in high school and later enjoyed playing basketball with his grandchildren.
After graduating high school, Bob attended one year at the University of Missouri-Columbia (MU) before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He was immediately deployed to Korea and became a ground photographer for the 5th Airforce. Due to his exceptional marksmanship, he was the favored ground photographer and was often chosen to accompany higher-ranking officers on missions.
After his military service, Bob returned to the family home in Garden City, Missouri, and continued working at both family businesses. From the moment he laid eyes on Carol Ann (Welsh) Wright, he knew she was the one he would marry. Carol, however, did not yet know he existed. They were married at the United Methodist Church in Clinton, Missouri, on August 3, 1958. Two daughters were born from this union: Lezlee and Loree. In 1961, they relocated to Clinton, Missouri, and Bob started working in the insurance business. After retiring, he worked part-time for Henry Co. and Cass Co. Sheriff’s departments.
Bob and Carol were married for 64 years (almost 65). When asked what picture he would like brought to his bedside, he responded that he wanted the picture of his wife, Carol, in her wedding dress. This was displayed in his room, and during his final moments, he was comforted by stories about their life together. His family will always remember his love and dedication to all of them. When in need, he offered his family both financial and emotional support to better themselves and their families.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister, Marolyn Rutt, and brother, Larry Wright. He is survived by his wife, Carol Wright; daughters, Loree (Dennis) Walrath and Lezlee Talbott; grandchildren, Tyler Talbott, Kristen Christ, Haylee Clark, Travis Talbott, and Destry Walrath; eight great-grandchildren, and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.
We love you always and miss you already.
Poem:
Grandpa
You are the best of my memories:
The great fisherman,
The giver of Twinkies.
Funeral services were held June 19, 2023 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel. Clinton with Dr. David Maggi officiating. Special music included “Old Rugged Cross and Send Me Gently Home.” The casket bearers were Brandon Christ, Ryan Clark, Destry Walrath, Dennis Walrath Tyler Talbott and Travis Talbott. Charles Dail Rutt, Jerrod Welsh, Jay Welsh, James Rutt, Mark Rutt, Warren D. Smith and Duane Bray were honorary bearers. Interment followed in Calhoun Cemetery, Calhoun, MO.
Military honors were under the direction of VFW Post #1894 and the US Air Force.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
