ORAN -- John Wright, 96, died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at the Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee.
Born Dec. 29, 1915, to Mack and Ethel Henley Wright in Oran at their home, he was a carpenter by trade, owning a construction company at first with Duke Robison of Oran and then J.M. Wilkerson of Bell City. Many three-bedroom brick ranch-style homes in the Oran-Bell City area were built by him. He was known for his finished carpentry in cabinets. Many would bring him pictures of what they wanted and he would make them. He was very much a perfectionist in his trade. People always commented about his "whistling while he worked" and loved hearing him whistle.
On Sept. 23, 1940, he married Cressie Hartle who preceded him in death Oct. 17, 1996.
He is survived by: a daughter and son-in-law, Glenda Hartle Shy and Jerry Shy of Sikeston; a daughter, Sharron Wright Lathum of Cape Girardeau; three grandsons, Mark (Pam) Shy of Las Vegas, Garry (Dana) Lathum of Jackson and Gregry (Cynthia) Lathum of Scott City; seven grandchildren, Patrick Thomas Shy of Las Vegas, Carl Gary Lathum III, Lyla Lathum and Matthew Lathum of Jackson and Aimee Lathum, Bailee Lathum and Trenton Lathum of Scott City.
He is also survived by two sisters, Helen Harris of Chaffee and Lila Brannock of Sikeston; and two nephews, Wesley (Barbara) Harris and Glenn Harris of Oran.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of memorial services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Amick Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran. The Rev. Donnie Ford will officiate.
Paid obituary