John A. Wright, Sr.
John A. Wright, Sr., 80, of Springfield died at 4:40 pm Friday, September 12, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on August 26, 1934 in Springfield to Carl L. and Mary (Schmidt) Wright. He married Rita Rose Disco on April 28, 1956 and she preceded him in death on December 12, 2009. Also preceding him in death were his parents.
Surviving are three children; John A. (Kathie) Wright, Jr. of Springfield, Cathy (Robert) Kretschmar of Idaho and Donald (companion, Jackie) Wright of Springfield; three grandchildren, Danielle, Adam and Chrissy; three great grandchildren, Hope, Victoria and Nolan; two sisters, Shirley (Walter) Painter of Springfield and Linda (Harry) Logue of Rochester; one brother, Jimmie (Judy) Wright of Champaign; companion, Betty Paul of Springfield and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was a resident of Springfield for all of his life. He was a US Air Force Veteran. He was in the Air National Guard and was activated in 1961 – 62 during the Cuban Missile Crisis and retired in 1988 from the Guard after 38 years. He was a licensed aircraft inspector. John started flying airplanes in 1974, received his license in 1976 and was very active in the Ercoupe Owners Club for over 40 years. He was an aircraft mechanic for the 183rd Air National Guard. He attended Feitchans Grade School and Springfield High School. He was an active member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.
Visitation: 5-7 pm Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home.
Funeral Service: 10:00 am Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Ingram officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Sangamon County Inter-Veterans Burial Detail and the United States Air Force.
Service Information
Life Event Timeline
Help tell the story of John by contributing to the Life Event Timeline. Upload the photo of an event...
Post an Event
GEORGE KOCH posted on 9/18/14
John maintained our airplane and we always had the most confidence that we could take-off, complete our mission and return safely to our home base without incident. John was the most dedicated person to his work--he could be trusted. One of my most vivid memories was the time he was doing an annual on our Ercoupe, and I entered the hanger to see how things were going. There was John, a big man, down in the bowels of the aircraft checking some parts or functions. I couldn't believe he could get in that position, and I didn't stay to see him get out--but he did. That incident sold me on John's integrity and thoroughness. He did the job right. My condolences to Johnny and the rest of the family, and godspeed to John--hope to see you on the other side.