Robert Wright

JACKSON, Mo. -- Robert "Bob" Wright, age 82, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2001, at the Jackson Manor Nursing Home in Jackson. Friends may call Tuesday, Jan. 1, between 4-8 p.m., at the McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. An American Legion service will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral service will be Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment in Russell Heights Cemetery. The Rev. Robert Henrichs will officiate.

Mr. Wright was born June 19, 1919, at Tanner, Mo., son of the late Guy and Nellie Morton Wright. He and Clara Jaco were married Aug. 10, 1946.

Loving survivors include his wife, Clara, of Jackson; two sons and daughters-in-law, Daryl and Teresa Wright and Robert "Butch" and Pam Wright, all of Jackson; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Kenny Ludwig of Doylestown, Penn.; and sister, Anna Edwards of Sullivan, Ind.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Scott Wright and his wife, Candyce; Dusty Wright; Dana, Kaci and Brannon Wright; and Christi, Missy and Mandy Ludwig; and one great-granddaughter, Alexis Wright.

Mr. Wright began his career at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis and then worked at the former International Shoe factory in Jackson. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force from Feb. 23, 1943, through March 1, 1946. After his discharge, he worked at the former Young Motor Company in Jackson and then owned and operated the former Wright Sinclair Station in Jackson.

He worked 25 years as a mechanic for the former Townes Cadillac and Olds dealership in Cape Girardeau. In 1981, he retired from the Pipefitters Union in Texas.

From 1981 through 1989, he drove for the American Red Cross in Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri; and later assisted his sons in the Advanced Technology Products and Radio Shack in Jackson.

Mr. Wright was of the Methodist faith. He was a member of the Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson and the VFW in Jackson. In the 1950s he started the Westernaires Band and continued leading the band through the 1980s.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the American Red Cross.