SFC (Ret) Wayne Elbert Wright

March 12, 1933 - August 26, 2015

SFC (Ret) Wayne Elbert Wright, son of the Russell E. and Daisy (Walls) Wright, was born March 12, 1933 in Bloomington, Indiana. He passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2015 in his home having attained the age of 82 years. Wayne wanted to join the United States Army, but in order to do so, he had to have someone sign for him. He spent the next 21 years in the military and served his country faithfully. He earned several awards and commendations; some of which included: Expert Badge (M-14), Expert Badge (.45), Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), Driver & Mechanic Badge, National Defense Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device, 5 Overseas Bars, Army Commendation Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and retired on May 31, 1972. In 1954, Wayne was united in marriage to Eva Mae Gigli and they were blessed with three children: Linda, Betty and Thomas. After retiring from the military, Wayne began working for EDP for the next five years. While working for EDP, Wayne met Myong Kim and they were united in marriage on June 16, 1986. Wayne was very active and was a member of the VFW of Plato and held several offices and was an adjunct district commander for the VFW. He was also a member of the Plato Masonic Lodge and the National Rifleman Association. In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed watching wildlife and birds. He also like to be outdoors while hunting and fishing and being on his computer. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Wayne will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Myong Wright of the home; one stepdaughter: Tanya Simpson of Plato, MO; three children: Linda Miller (Robert) of Springfield, MO, Betty Brower (Robert) of Springfield, MO and Thomas Wright of Beaumont, TX; ten grandchildren: Jacqueline “Jackie” King, Daniel King, Clifton Kelley, Jr., Zackery Wright, Seth Wright, Isaac Wright, Madison Wright, Miles “Andy” Brower, Emma Simpson and Ronin Wilson; eight great grandchildren: Alexander Tindell, Meg Brower, Mitchell Brower, Amelia Wright, Brody Wright, Ziggy Wright, Linus Wright and Elijah Wright; three sisters: Betty Britten, Joan Harden and Jeanette Ford; two brothers: Tom Wright and Jerry Wright; several other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by two brothers: Johnny and Richard Wright. Services with military honors were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2015 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Frank Brunais officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross” were played. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.