Donald Wayne Wright

Donald Wayne Wright (89) of Jacksonville, Florida passed to his heavenly home on Monday 25 September 2023, at the Florida Orange Park Hospital in Orange Park, Florida. He was formally from Terre Haute, Indiana.

Don was born on 24 July 1934 to Rev. Paul L. Wright and Ruby L. Birt Wright and was one of six children. Don’s surviving siblings include Carroll Smith, Rebecca Morge, and Larry Wright (Sharon) all of Terre Haute, Indiana. Don’s deceased siblings include D. Gene Wright and Harold Lee Wright.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Carolyn Ann Young Butts Wright who he married 3 July 1976. Surviving children include Donald Paul Wright; Michael Shannon Wright (Marlies), Terre Haute, Indiana; Robert Steven Butts (Ginger), St Johns, Florida; Tambra Wright Shipman Buchanan (Jesse) Hesperia, California; and J. Leann Wright Brazil, Indiana. Don was further blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren: Micheal Paul Wright; Stephen Michael Wright; Tiffany Peterson; Shelby Wright; Madalyn Butts; Audrey Whitesell; and Jase Whitesell along with one great grandchild, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Known by all as a proud U.S. Military Veteran, Don devoted twenty-one years of selfless service as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force from January 1952 thru February 1973. Upon graduating U.S. Marine Corps recruit training, Don was among an elite group of service members, that included two other Terre Haute natives, to witness an atomic explosion at the Atomic Energy Commission Proving Grounds in Nevada. Don then faithfully served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. At the time of his honorable voluntary retirement from the U.S. Air Force on 28 February 1973, Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Wright had accomplished a distinguished military career receiving multiple awards and decorations to include the Navy Presidential Unit Citation; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (5th Award); Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Medal; Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Republic of Korea presidential Unit Citation, and United National Korean Service Medal.

Don enjoyed life, family, and hobbies. After military retirement, Don returned home to Terre Haute, Indiana to work at CBS and then transitioned to serve the United States Postal Service until 1984. Don and Carolyn ventured on numerous family vacations near and far forming lifelong family memories. Don was an excellent rifle marksman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, football, and caring for his farm and animals. Don had a persistent interest to explore and find out-of-the way dinners and restaurants to not only satisfy his appetite but to socialize with neighbors.

Don was a devoted Christian and member of the Croys Creek Christian Church Reelsville, Indiana. He also enjoyed fellowship at Lawton Byrum VFW# 972 Terre Haute, Indiana, American Legion Post 372 Jacksonville, Florida, and he was a proud supporter of the National Rifle Association. It is without question; Don’s fondest day of the week was Sunday when he and Carolyn would worship during church services at their country church in Reelsville…and then head home to watch football after lunch of course.

Don’s prescriptive wishes were for cremation followed by a celebration of life and burial at Roselawn Memorial Park Terre Haute, Indiana. Services will be held on October 30, 2023, at 1100 by Pastor Paul Zurcher.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Wright family.