Joseph D. Wright

Joseph “Dwight” Wright, age 93, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 3:21 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2022 at his home in St. Elmo, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at New Horizon Church in St. Elmo with a one-hour viewing prior to the service. PeeWee Denton will be officiating. Burial will be at Springhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at New Horizon Church. Memorials may go to New Horizon Church, Springhill Cemetery, or the donor’s choice. 

Dwight was born on July 7, 1921 in Dana, Illinois, the son of George and Blanche (Durbin) Wright. He married Glynis M. Haslett on October 23, 1948 at the Assembly of God Church in St. Elmo, Illinois. Dwight and Glynis lived in the St. Elmo area all their 73 ½ years of marriage. He cared for his family the way a great husband and dad would. He taught all his children love and respect, but most importantly, the way to have a good work ethic, just as he had. Dwight worked in the oil fields for many years, he started with Claypool Drilling Company, moved on to Lucky’s Oil Service, and helped at P & M Oil Company. Dwight loved his career and made his crew walk a straight line. Dwight’s children pridefully learned a lot from their dad over the years. He loved to tell stories about all the places he had worked in his lifetime. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed family trips to Branson, get-togethers, Friday night Opry in Edgewood, the Opry in Altamont, Tuesday morning coffee breaks, Sunday afternoon drives, visits on their patio with friends, neighbors, and family, and watching and waving at the passing traffic. Dwight was the best husband, father, and friend that anyone could have asked for. He was a member of the Assembly of God church and was affiliated with New Horizon Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Glynis Wright of St. Elmo; sons, Allen Wright (wife Sherry) of Beecher City, Dennis Wright of St. Elmo, Kevin Wright (wife Denise) of Brownstown and Darrin Wright (wife Cheryl) of St. Elmo; daughters, Carol Dial of St. Elmo, Brenda McConkey of Brownstown; Kathy Knierim of Effingham, Diane Hoehne (husband Steve) of Farina, and Penny Pippin (husband Mark) of Farina; brothers, Lavern Wright (wife Leona) of St. Elmo and Oliver Wright (wife Edna) of St. Elmo; daughter-in-law, Gala Wright of St. Elmo; 19 grandchildren, 36 great- grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Blanche Wright; son, Rick Wright; sister, Shirley Smith; brother, Gary Wright; daughter-in-law, Bert Wright; son-in-law, Lee Dial, Miles McConkey, Dale Knierim; brother-in-law, Earl Smith; sister-in-law, Ella Mae Wright; great-grandchildren, Kelsy Marie and Clayton Andrew.

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