Gary Wright

Gary "GW" "Dude" Wright, 67, of Springfield, died at 5:23 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012 at his home. Gary was born August 1, 1944 in Springfield, the son of Arthur and Margaret Alexander Wright. He married Pamela Calhoun on September 15, 2007 in Springfield. Gary was a Lanphier graduate and retired from AT&T in December 1994 after many years of service as a lineman and later in management. He also was a seasonal worker at Piper Glen Golf Course. Gary attended First United Methodist Church and enjoyed playing baseball and softball at Four Seasons, and was also a member of a Golf League at AT&T. He was a Junior Football League Coach. Gary enjoyed spending time on the beach, golfing, drawing, writing, and growing tomatoes. He loved food. Some of his favorite times were with friends at "The Hill" in St. Louis. He played in the Roy Hobbs Baseball tournament in Fort Myers, Florida and was on the winning KFC senior softball tournament in 2010. Gary was a huge New York Yankee fan. He was able to visit the old stadium before they tore it down. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Pam Wright of Springfield; son, Mike (wife, Laura) Wright of Springfield; daughters, Jodi Richardson of Denver, CO, and Kelly (husband, Jim) Fitzgerald of Girard; step-daughters, Michelle Page and Amy Powers, both of Springfield; grandchildren, Jeramie and Jasmine Sturtevant, both of Denver, CO, Kaitlynn and Bailey Wright, Berkeley Page and Livie Powers, all of Springfield; one great-grandchild, Jade Gonzales; one sister; cousins; and many close friends. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Private Memorial Ceremony will be held with Rev. Gary Lemberg officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: United Cerebral Palsy of Land of Lincoln, 130 N. 16th St., Springfield, IL 62703; Ronald McDonald House of Central Illinois, 610 N. 7th St., Springfield, IL 62702; Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery, 1011 N. 7th St., Springfield, IL 62702; or Memorial Home Services Hospice, 1011 N. 7th St., Springfield, IL 62702.