Obituary
John Earnest Wright passed away peacefully into heaven on Monday, January 25 surrounded by his family. John was born 9/16/1932 to Glenn Joseph and Chlorah Lea (Sneed) Wright. On August 31, 1957, John married Julia Dianne Price. They shared a long and happy marriage and were blessed with four children, 9 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. He cherished his family and throughout his life gathered so many friends who turned into family.
He was a natural teacher to all who met him. He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed many hobbies from silversmithing to inventing to studying and building Excel spreadsheets. He shared his faith and possessions freely and was always available to help others. His generosity and concern for others was epic.
John was an electrical engineer and worked in the natural gas industry. After retiring, he and Dianne taught on cruise ships for 7 years. He was a member of Grandview United Methodist Church for over 50 years.
John will be missed his wife, Dianne, three children: Glen (Betty), Julie (Darren), and Jason (Angela); 9 grandchildren Gretchen (Barry), Stephen (Cindy), Nicholas (Kristen), Sarah, Hannah, Jonah, Ty, Chase and Madison (Rama); and 15 great grandchildren Drew, Claire, Mia, Mason, Chloe, Jaxsen, Sue Anna, Cayti, Alex, Tory, Izzy, Chandler, Devon, Peyton and Lance; a brother, Russell and a sister, Billie Joanne, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.
John was preceded in death by a treasured son, Bradley, his parents and sister Kathy.
John said frequently, “We were put on this earth to help each other.” May we all honor the legacy he shared with each of us. To quote John Wesley:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to Veterans Community Project, 8900 Troost Ave, Kansas City, Mo. 64131 or at www.veteranscommunityproject.org
Condolences
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
To the family,
I wish I could be with you all.
Thinking of my dear cousin.
Love to you all
Mary
He was a man with the most generous heart I have ever seen. It seems he spent his life making this world better. We need more people just like John and Dianne.
I never had the opportunity to meet John, but I know his sons Jason and Glen. The quality of men that both Jason and Glen are tells me all I need to know about the quality of man that John was. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in this tragic time.
Sorry about this loss so glad
To know him was great member of the wright family.
Dan and I was so blessed to get to know John. He was a blessing to everyone! His love of all people surely showed the love of Christ! He will be greatly missed! Our prayers are with you Dianne and your family. Dan and Sheryl Hartman
The above is all true. He helped so many. Loved to teach and was a true friend. Any time I had a problem I called Johnnie whether it was a computer problem, plumbing. or to many others to mention. He will be so missed not only by people, but his Deer and Turkey’s he loved to watch and feed. He always had time for all of his family and friends.
Welcome to Heaven to rejoice with all the ones gone before. Especially Bradley.
I have been blessed to know John and Dianne for over 20 years. He was always so willing to help others and you could see what joy it brought to his life. He spoiled my boys like they were a part of his family. His absence will be felt in this world by so many. My thoughts are with the entire family (whom I have been blessed to meet so many of). May you all find comfort in your memories of a life that touched so many.
We were so sorry to hear about Johnnie’s passing. We won’t be able to attend the service but will watch it online. Virginia and Johnnie lived across the street in Waldo during the War until about 1945 when her family moved to Pleasant Hill, There were about four families on Maine St. in Waldo but everyone came to Virginia’s house to watch TV.
We were so sad to hear about John’s passing. It just breaks our heart. John was always a good man and we enjoyed listening to his stories and he had lots of them. I’m sure he is telling stories to his good friend Bill Ray. Our heart goes out to Dianne and the family and our prayers are with you all. John will be missed very much.
Chris & Mindy Beachner
Sending hugs and prayers to all. I am fond memories of his openness to make everyone feel welcomed and loved.
John was a friend to everyone he met. He will be missed!! Thankfully, we know that our time on earth is short compared to eternity.
Our love and prayers!!
He was a great help to us when we added on to our house. He also was friend to me and my sons after my first husband, Jerry passed away in 1986. Thank you John!
We have been so blessed to know John and Dianne for over 25 years through the GUMC. I don’t think I could have raised my two boys without all of their love, support and wisdom over the years. Every word above is true but, John was definitely a natural born teacher. Every time he saw my boys he was trying to teach them something that would benefit their future. Praying for comfort for Dianne & the whole family at this time. ❤️
Your poignant tribute is evidenced by my short and long ago relationship with John. I was in Indian Guides with my dad in the same tribe with John and I think Glen? in 1968. My father unexpectedly passed away in December of that year, and John stepped in and continued to take me to the meetings and tried to keep me engaged. I am sorry to say that it was a difficult time for me, and I did not continue to participate for long, in spite of John’s efforts. It is a kindness that is remembered fondly, and will never be forgotten. I am sorry to learn of his passing.
I was blessed to have known John and Dianne for many years through Grandview UMC. We had many passionate discussions in Sunday school class. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by not only his family, but also his community.
There is a place prepared for him!
My condolences to the family.
John was my friend and mentor for 25 years. He encouraged me, taught me to be patient and perceptive, in a complex world. I am a better man due to his influence. I will miss him. Thought and prayers to Diane and family.
With deepest sympathy for the loss of your father, grandfather.