Donald Gene Wright

Graveside memorial services will be held with family and a Celebration of Life Ceremony to be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Kansas City, 3846 West 75th Street, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208; https://www.alz.org/kansascity

If you wish to be notified of the date of the Celebration of Life Ceremony please email Kendra at [email protected] or Steve at [email protected]

Don was born July 27, 1932, in Rocky, Oklahoma to William Silvanus Wright and Lavada Wright (Yancy). Don was an only child and spent his high school years in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He later attended Oklahoma A&M and Oklahoma State University where he became a true orange and black cowboy fan.

Don started working in the oil business after college at APCO Oil. He was lucky enough to meet Loyce Faye Brennan who grew up a few miles down the road in Nardin, Oklahoma. They were married June 19th, 1955.

Don’s work took him to multiple states but they eventually moved to Salina, Kansas where their son Steven was born. Shortly after the birth of Steven, they moved to Omaha, Nebraska where their daughter Kendra was born 6 years later. They moved to Lenexa, Kansas in 1974 and that became home to the Wright family.

Don traveled a lot with work but always found time to coach his children’s sports teams. He was always present for support and guidance. Don was more of a motivational and inspirational coach in his kid’s lives then a skills coach (this is what anyone that knew him would remember him by).

Don stayed in the oil business through many name changes from APCO, Vickers, Total Petroleum and Valero. His long time position as VP of Sales was a perfect position for him as he never met a stranger and his strength of character allowed him to exude a sense of trustworthiness and confidence that was always reassuring. He commanded respect but was exceedingly easy to get along with.

Don eventually retired in 1992 and looked forward to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Unfortunately his new role became that of caregiver to his wife who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1997. He was a true saint and took care of Loyce for the next 9 years and provided daycare for his grandchildren. When Loyce was moved to assisted living and eventually a nursing home the last year of her life, Don visited her at least twice daily and would comb her hair and put make up on her and just simply talk to her. He had already set an amazing example for his kids and grandchildren but they learned what it truly meant to love and cherish a loved one. Loyce passed in 2007 after 52 years of marriage.

Don spent his time hanging with his wonderful longtime neighbors, keeping an immaculate yard, watching his grandkids in sports and school activities and playing poker and Texas hold ‘em. Don had an infectious laugh and sense of humor like no other. People often say that his children have his same sense of humor. Don left a positive imprint on everyone he met and his kindness and generosity was appreciated by all that had the privilege to know him.

Don moved to an Independent Living facility in 2017 where it took him no time at all to meet new friends and become the social director. He didn’t miss daily “happy hour” and became the top money winner in poker and Texas hold ‘em (so he said). Brookdale quickly became his new home as the residents and staff welcomed him with open arms. We would like to give a special thank you to the personalized living staff that took care of him the last few months of his life.

Don was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed. His smile, belly laugh, kindness, and gentle demeanor will never be forgotten. He was an amazing role model for his children and grandchildren with his unfailingly strong love and guidance. His spirit will live on in all of us.

Don is survived by his children: Kendra Welsh (Charles) and Steven Wright (Paula) and grandchildren: Harrison, Kellen, and Brennan Welsh and Nate Thurman.