Joseph Bright

Joseph A. Bright, 38, of Mansfield, died Friday, December 14, 2007 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. Born February 2, 1969 in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of Paul Glen and Karen Grover Bright. At an early age moving to Columbus, he graduated in 1986 from White Hall-Yearling High School. After graduation, he began his career in food service, having worked for Sisters Chicken and Wendy's for many years, and finally working with the Richland Correctional Institution until his retirement in 2004. During the summer months, he was the pit boss of Smokin' Joes Hog Wild BBQ. Joe was an avid OSU Buckeye Fan who loved to spend time with his family and friends. Joe will always be remembered by his very unique sense of humor and will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea Oliver Bright; children, Mathew and Karrie Bright of Galion, and Samantha and Tabitha Bright of Mansfield; mother and stepfather, Karen Bright and Thomas Thum of Columbus; brother, Michael 'Mike' Thum of Columbus; sister, Debbie Thum of Columbus; nephews, Logan Thum of Columbus, George, Malakai, and Kyle Deskins of Mansfield; mother and father-in-law, Penelope and George W. Deskins of Mansfield; brothers-in-law, George A. Deskins and Timothy Deskins of Mansfield; sister-in-law, Jessica Deskins of Mansfield; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Bright; and maternal grandmother, Julia Grover.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Union Cemetery in Columbus.