Hansel Wright

Hansel Wright, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on March 24, 2026. Hansel was born October 7, 1935 in Hueysville, Kentucky. He was the son of Samuel and Alice Wright and one of nine children.

As a young boy, he and his family moved to Willard, Ohio. It was here that he was shaped by hard work and responsibility. At just 12 years old, he began working at a bakery with his older brother Bud, to help support his family. In 1954, at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the United States Army.

Over the next twenty years and one month, he built a distinguished military career rising to the rank of E-8, Sergeant First Class. He served proudly in the 17th Armored Cavalry Regiment and took great pride in being part of the F-Troop Tanker Unit. His service included thirteen months in Vietnam from 1969 – 1970, nine years in Germany and 13 months in South Korea, as well as assignments at Fort Benning, Fort Ord and Fort Knox. Hansel was deployed to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 spending 13 months, where he was awarded 4 bronze stars for bravery and distinguished service in ground combat. Hansel deeply loved the country he served and held profound respect for all men and women who served.

While stationed in Germany, Hansel met the love of his life, Christine Lexa who became his devoted wife and partner for 69 years. Together, they raised four daughters, and their family grew to include several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Outside of his military career, Hansel was a gifted carpenter, avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed any opportunity to take his grandkids fishing and was the best Big Buddy to his Little Buddy, youngest granddaughter, Lexi.

Although his family is heartbroken over his passing, we are comforted in knowing he was a believer in Christ and we rejoice in knowing he is with our Savior and his loved ones that preceded him, especially his daughter Robin and her husband, Ryan. We will miss him all of our days and will rejoice when we meet again.

Hansel is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Christine, daughters Barbara (Mike) Ludwig, Carol Borden, Sandy (Brent) Holsclaw; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; his sisters Sharon Kilgore and Suvon Manion, as well as many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A service to honor Hansel’s life will be held on Thursday, April 2nd, at 11 AM, at Brown Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 1st, from 4-7 PM, and resume Thursday, April 2nd, from 10 AM until the time of the service. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Kentucky Veteran Cemetery Central following the service.