Obituary of Bert Wright

Bertram “Bert” Edward Wright, 87, son of the late Vincent Cleo and Jessie Lea (Ryan) Wright passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at his home. He was born on January 10, 1937, in Gatewood, MO.

Bert graduated from Doniphan High School in 1954 and furthered his education attending both SEMO and Arkansas State University. Following in his dad’s footsteps, Bert dedicated 38 years to educating the youth of Ripley County, teaching school at Pine Grove, Pratt, Burnham, and Doniphan R-I before becoming the Doniphan Elementary Principal in 1976. He retired in 1993 leaving a lasting impression on countless students and faculty. Working in the rural county schools, Bert served the students in many capacities. He was most proud of his opportunity to coach students in basketball, football, and baseball, and he remained an avid supporter of all local sports teams ranging from the area schools to Three Rivers College teams. An outdoorsman, Bert enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as tending to his farm. With these many and varied experiences, Bert always had a story to tell and relished every opportunity to share his joy of storytelling. Bert served in the Army National Guard from 1955-1965 and the Ripley County Ambulance Board from 2006-2022. He was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.

On September 9, 1961, Bert married Reva Keele who survives. In their retirement, Bert and Reva enjoyed traveling, working on their farm, supporting and watching their grandkids in their many sports activities, and spending time with family and friends at their cabin on Current River.

Also surviving are his son, Gary (Terri) Wright, and daughter, Jackie (Gary) Thornton; grandchildren, Christi (Jeff) Johnson, Brian (Jill) Wright, Matthew (Laura) Thornton, and Michael (Jennifer) Thornton; and great-grandchildren, Cody (Kayla) Johnson, Kaylynn and Claire Johnson, Briley, Jessie and Brenna Wright, Luke, Jack and Juliet Thornton, and Kaden and Aaron Thornton; and great-great-grandchildren, Dawson and Baby Boy Johnson.

Visitation for Mr. Wright will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.