Kenneth Albert Wright

Kenneth Albert Wright, 89, of Fort Wayne went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 7, 2021 following an accident from a fall. He was born on November 22, 1931 in Hartford City, Indiana the son of the late Selah and Mary (Bragg) Wright. He lived much of his younger years in Upland, Indiana. He attended and graduated from Jefferson High School in Grant County in 1949 where he excelled at basketball and baseball. He went on to attend Taylor University and played basketball with his brother, Ted and cousin, John Bragg under legendary coach, Don Odle. After graduating from Taylor, Ken spent two years in the United States Army based at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Following his service, Ken taught elementary school in Matthews, Indiana. In 1957, he joined the family business of what is today known as STAR Financial Bank; his father, Selah being a founding member. He started as assistant cashier at The Upland Bank then later moved to the Gaston Bank as cashier. In 1964, Ken moved to Columbia City to become president of the Citizens State Bank. During his leadership, a new building was erected and the bank became Citizens National Bank of Whitley County, then STAR Financial Bank as it is known today. Ken held many executive titles within STAR including Chairman of the Board and CEO of STAR Financial Bank, Columbia City and Chairman of STAR Financial Group, Inc., until his retirement in 2007. Ken was instrumental in the growth of STAR. Today, STAR Financial Bank boosts over $2.1 Billion in total assets. Ken was an avid and accomplished golfer recording 12 hole-in-ones. Ken was known state wide for his skill on the golf course where he made many lifelong friends. Ken won numerous tournaments and club championships. His most honored victory was the 1995 Indiana State Seniors Golf Assoc. Championship. Into his mid-eighties, he continued playing multiple rounds each week with family and friends. Ken volunteered and supported for many years the Boy Scouts of Whitley County and served as Treasurer of Blue River, Inc. a not for profit senior housing association. Ken’s family would like to thank the caring staff of North Woods Village and Heartland Hospice. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, whom he was united in marriage to on June 4, 1983. Additional surviving family include his children, Deo Wright, Ted Wright, Linda Wright, Jill (Calvin) Wright-Hammond, Jeff (Kathy)Wright; step daughters, Laurie (Don) Bode, Lisa (Mike) Pippenger; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren; two brothers, Ted Wright and Robert (Phyllis)Wright; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in passing by his granddaughter, Jennifer Walde; and daughter-in-law, Jami Wright. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials in Ken’s honor may be made to The Anthony Wayne Council Boy Scouts of America, Heartland Hospice, or a church of your choice.