Virgil "Gene" Wright
January 20, 1935 — December 22, 2023
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Virgil “Gene” Wright, 88, passed away December 22, 2023, at UnityPoint Taylor House in Des Moines.
Gene was born January 20, 1935, in Des Moines to Virgil and Frances (Kendall) Wright. Gene is a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was a lifelong employee of the Des Moines Register and Tribune for 43 years. Gene was an active member of his church, Union Park Grace Fellowship.
Gene enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren and watching them grow. Some of Gene’s attributes were his sense of humor, work ethic, personal strength, kindness, and love of his Country.
Gene will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Jonnie Marie Wright; children, Theresa Hill, Carol (Mike) Waddel, Mike (Shannon) Wright, and Tim Wright; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Beth Ballard; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Joan and Jimmy; son, David Wright; granddaughter, Pamela Hill; and daughter-in-law, Brenda Wright.
The family will greet friends on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 121 NW 60th Avenue. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Gene.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Taylor House and Lutheran ICU for their compassion and care for Gene.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Cheryl (Graham) Knapp
01/02/2024
I am so sorry for your family's great loss.
Growing up I thought Gene and Marie were my uncle and Aunt (and their kids our cousins.) Of course, getting older, we learned they were friends of the family and not actually related; however, they always treated us like family. Getting to know them as a child was special and filled with beautiful memories. As an adult they provided my sisters and I emotional support and advice. Knowing of our difficult childhood, they stood by us and when we came into town they join us for dinner and talks and we valued that time greatly. Later, when I moved back to town, married and had children we were able to visit with them a little more often and they came to our home occasionally and we enjoyed dinner and hours of great conversation. While the kids were little we didn't do this as often as I preferred so the time was cherished.
Once my children were grown, I would call Gene a few times a year and we would talk for sometimes hours. We had great conversations about life, parenting and whatever was going on in the world at the time. Over the years, our calls became less frequent and shorter as his care of Marie increased, but their value and importance to me was always there.
Gene was so intelligent, compassionate and kind. He was so great to talk with and had interesting conversation with great insight into people and social topics, and life in general.
Gene provided a male role model to my sisters and I that we didn't have once our grandfather passed away when we were in our late 20's. His seemed to know of this need we had and without ever saying it, he automatically assumed that fatherly role model for us and was always there when we called or stopped by and just needed or wanted his input. Our grandparents and whole family LOVED him and adored him so much.
My respect and love for this great man will be in my heart the rest of my life. May your memories of Gene provide you peace and comfort and the feeling that you are always loved.
Much love and deepest condolences.
Cheryl (Graham) Knapp
Carolyn Lea Whitlatch
12/29/2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Gene Wright. Gene and Marie were faithful members of UP Grace Fellowship Church. Gene was a man of true conviction to his faith; such a kind and caring individual. He would light up the room with his smile. He cared deeply for his family; I remember when his grandson was visiting and so proud to bring him to church to meet everyone. Gene will be missed. My prayer is for God to comfort the family and to continue to hold Marie in His arms. Hold tight to all of the wonderful memories.
Tina Payton
12/29/2023
Gene and Marie have been a blessing to the church for so many years. As of recently, we were blessed to have him join us a few more times before he passed. My granddaughter Alina, now 8, has grown up in the church and has always been one to bring a smile to Gene's face, if he wasn't smiling already. Because some time had passed before Gene was able to join us @ Worship again, we made it a point for him to reconnect with Alina - now grown - of which he was once again so generous to give compliments on how she's growing so beautifully and such a beautiful personality. He too, had a beautiful personality - a beautiful spirit - and one that I will personally cherish forever. Beverly Wessel (his cousin, also member of the church), and the rest of Gene's family are in my thoughts and prayers daily. God speed everyone. God Bless.
Tammie Carter
12/26/2023
The kindest man with a big heart. He has always carried a special place in my heart. Prayers go out to his family, May God be your shelter and comfort . Bless you all