Buryl Nelson Wright was born the son of Dave Alonzo Wright and Lola House Wright on January 28, 1920 in Moore Township in Oregon County, Missouri and departed this life August 8, 2011 at Shepherd’s View Assisted Living in Alton, Missouri at the age of 91 years.
He was united in marriage January 24, 1942 in Alton, Missouri to Helen Mae Watson and to this union three children were born, Wayne, Frances and Bobby.
He is survived by two sons, Wayne Wright and wife, Judy of Alton, Missouri and Bobby Wright and wife, Beverly of Alton, Missouri; six grandchildren, Michael Wright and wife, Hope of Junction City, Kansas, Jeffery Wright and wife, Tressa of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Jason Hudson and wife, Tricia of Little Rock, Arkansas, Amy Wright and Jason Rieck of West Plains, Missouri, Holly Wright Reese and husband, Blake of Alton, Missouri and Sara Wright Wheeler and husband, John of Alton, Missouri; eight great-grandchildren, Jacob Wright, Thalen and Tayla Wright, Jace and Jaylee Reese and Sophia, Lilllian and Henry Hudson; one sister, Helen Conner of Maryville, Illinois; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Wright on April 5, 1973; one daughter, Helen Frances Wright Hudson; his parents, Dave and Lola Wright; four brothers, Marshall, Kenneth, Willard and Ray Wright and one infant sister.
Buryl worked in the CC Camp near Winona, Missouri and later entered the United States Army June 12, 1942 during World War II and was assigned to the 506th Engineer Light Ponton Company. During his time of service, he served in the South Pacific in New Guinea, Luzon and the Southern Philippines. He earned numerous awards and medals, including the APTC Ribbon with three Bronze Service Stars, WW II Victory Ribbon, ATCM Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star and a Good Conduct Ribbon. He was discharged from The Hospital Center in Camp Carson, Colorado on January 19, 1946. He honorably served his country and enjoyed telling and retelling stories from his time rendered. He always proudly said, “if it wasn’t for President Harry S. Truman he would not have made it back to Alton, Missouri.”
In 1953, he and Fount Frey opened Frey and Wright Garage in Alton. He later retained full ownership of the garage and changed the name to Wright’s Station and Garage. He ran the business with his sons, Wayne and Bob, until he retired in 1982.
Buryl was a lifelong member of the Smyrna Free Will Baptist Church where he served as deacon for many years and took great pride in caring for the Smyrna Cemetery. He was well-known for his love of antique vehicles. He loved restoring and showing his vehicles in car shows and parades, where he won many lst place trophies and awards.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and a loyal friend. He will truly be missed by his family, friends and the community in which he lived.
Funeral services will be Friday, August 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Smyrna Free Will Baptist Church near Alton with Brother Bill Bales officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer. Burial will be in the Smyrna Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
