Walter Wright

Walter "Walt" L. Wright was called Home Friday morning, February 18, 2011. He was 79. The youngest of 12 children, Walt was born to Carl and Fannie Bills Wright on March 28, 1931 in Enterprise, Pennsylvania. On January 25, 1952, he married Shirley Ann Davis, with whom he raised three daughters and two sons. In 1947, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as crew chief on B36 bombers. He often laughed "Four years in the Air Force and never off the ground". After an Honorable Discharge, he and Shirley relocated to Fort Worth, TX where he worked for Chicago Pneumatic Tool Co. In 1961, they moved to Mansfield where he worked for Gorman-Rupp until his retirement in May 1992. Walt loved his God, his family and friends, and his country. He was an active member of Ontario United Methodist Church where he served as custodian and was given a lifetime membership in the United Methodist Women. As a member of the Ontario Lions Club, he was treasurer and his name was one of the first signed to help with any outing or project. He was a member of F.O.E. #763 and the Gorman-Rupp Quarter Century Club. Walt was also a charter member of the "ROMEO" Club-Retired Old Men Eating Out. He volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity, the local Girl Scout Council or anywhere there was a need he could fill. He always told his children, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice". Walt loved to travel and accomplished his goal of visiting all 50 states. He also visited Europe and Canada, but he loved this country and was known for his collection of eagles and patriotic ties.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Shirley; children, Patricia Heuberger, Cindy Schindler, Carla Smith, Mardy Wright and Corey Lisa Wright; grandchildren, Jeremy Gretchen Heuberger, Brandy Dustin Perry, Brandon Amanda Schindler, William Krysta Gwin-currently serving with the U.S. Army in Texas, Derek Smith, Aaron Schindler-currently serving with the U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan and his fiancée, Kaitlin Kalb, Cory Gwin and Megan and Brad Cronenwett; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Kody and Texie; and dear family friend, Mary Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Eva, Helen, Mabel, Hazel, Dorothy, Florence and Eleanor; and brothers, Ford, Don, Paul and Gene-with whom he owned and operated oil leases in Grand Valley and Pleasantville, PA, affectionately known to the family as the Raggedy Ass Oil Company; in-laws, Albert and Mary Davis; daughter-in-law, Heather Wright; infant son, David; and infant grandson, Brett Schindler.

A memorial celebration of Walt's life will be held at the Ontario United Methodist Church Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service with a Lions Service at 1:45 p.m. Pastor Sondra Snode will conduct the service. The Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad will present military honors following the service. He will be laid to rest in the Ontario Cemetery where he can continue to keep an eye on his beloved church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Ontario United Methodist Church, Ontario Lions Club or Springfield Township Fire Department. Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Walter Wright.