John Thomas Wright, 77, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away November 21, 2018 at North Kansas City Hospital.
Mr. Wright was born January 13, 1941 in Wyaconda, Mo. John graduated from Marceline High School in 1959, then married the love of his life, Beverly Hayes of Bucklin, Mo. in 1960 after meeting at the Dairy Queen. They moved to the Kansas City area where John worked most of his career in sales at McDowell Tire Company and Cross Midwest.
John’s greatest joys in life were spending time with his family, and never missing a sporting event his daughters and grandchildren participated in. His favorite teams were the Excelsior Spring Tigers, Kearney Bulldogs, and the Baker Wildcats. Throughout the years, John probably attended over 5,000 games for the past 21+ years played by his daughters and grandchildren. When John and Beverly (Bell) weren’t at sporting events they liked to garden, can vegetables, and sit outside under the shade tree. John loved to listen to politics and play Candy Crunch (Candy Crush) … he made it to level 1,207. One of his favorite things to do was brag on his children and grandchildren whether people wanted to hear it or not, he was a proud Husband/Father/Grandpa. Of all his great accomplishments, he would say his greatest accomplishment was his family. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Beverly Wright; his daughters, Tiffany Cook of Liberty and Kelley Hampton of Kearney, with their spouses, Richard Cook of Liberty and Brennan Hampton of Kearney; sister, Kenna Fraise of Fort Madison, Iowa; and six grandchildren, Taylor Cook, Kenzie Cook, Delaney Cook, Karson Hampton, Addie Hampton, and Cade Hampton.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., at Fry-Bross & Spidle Chapels on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. Funeral will follow on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at Fry-Bross & Spidle Chapels, Kearney, Mo., at 11 a.m.
Our Sincere Condolences
Beverly & Family, so sorry for your loss but he is not suffering anymore and is now in heaven with Jesus and in the arms of the angels. We have been praying for you all and will continue to do so in the days ahead. Our sympathy to the entire family. May God be with you all.
Lonnie & Linda (Mendenhall) Hensley
Beverly, on behalf of the Farthing family we send our deepest condolences to you and the family. On a personal note, it was a great honor and privilege to know John. He was not only a true friend, but a fatherlike figure to me. I dare say, that because of John, I would not be where I am today. He meant a great deal to me and will be very much missed. And yes, he did talk about his family quite often, of which he was very proud. I want to thank you and the family for sharing John and his great talents with me.
Your friend always, Rayce
My sincere sympathy goes out to you, Beverly, and your daughters, as you mourn the loss of your dear John. As a classmate of John’s, MHS 1959, I think back to high school days when John was the same guy he was at our last reunion, cheerful, laughing, and so much fun. He talked about his family and how proud he was of all of you. His smile will be remembered by all of us. I’m sure he will live on in those grandchildren of yours. Our prayers go out to you as you celebrate his life and the many years you had together.
Rosalea Lawson Ragland
So sorry for your loss, I worked with John several years at McDowell tire. John was always eager to help me when I started.May God bless you and your family.
Dick Cheek
John hired me at Cooper Transport almost twenty years ago and I still remain working there today. He always had a good story to tell. A great guy and he will be missed. Prayers for his family.
Bradley Snakenberg
Beverly and family, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. As you might recall I worked with John for 13 years at McDowell Tire. John and I shared many stories about 50’s cars and much older antiques. We were very close in age and I too graduated H.S. in 1959.
My hometown of VanBuren, Arkansas also had our meeting place at the local Dairy Queen. Lots of good times there as was John’s.
McDowell had many employees including John in the sales, the retread shop and of course the service department.
John taught me lots about the tire business since most of my experience was in the warehousing and distribution.
Again sorry about your loss.
Troy & Martha Bell
Condolences
Joe Erwin
Beverly , Sorry for your loss. John and I worked at McDowell Tire Co ,first in the dispatch office and then in sales .
God’s Blessings for you and your family .
Ernie Leary
