JOHN CHARLES "JACK" WRIGHT Sr.

JOHN CHARLES "JACK" WRIGHT SR., 83, of Fort Wayne, passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, at Lutheran Life Villages, Pine Valley. Born March 2, 1933, in Fort Wayne, he was a son of the late John R. and Alice (Ellingwood) Wright. He was a graduate of Elmhurst High School where he played basketball and golf. He worked as a caddie during the first Fort Wayne PGA Open in May of 1950 at Orchard Ridge Country Club and then placed first in the first Fort Wayne Junior Boys City Golf Tournament in June 1950. He continued playing golf well into his 60s. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving in Denver, Guam, and Montgomery, Ala. He retired from truck driving in 1998, after 42 years working for numerous companies. He began his career working for his father's company, Wright's Brick & Stone Sales, followed by Erie Haven, B.F. Goodrich, Ryder, and then finally, Dana Corporation. Later in his years, he enjoyed singing Karaoke and appreciated all of the new friends that he had made. He was also a member of the American Legion 296, V.F.W., and the Army & Navy Union Garrison. He lived life to the fullest and cherished the time that he spent with his family. He is survived by his children, Geri (Tim) Freiburger of Payne, Ohio, John C. Wright Jr., Judi Wright and Jayne Wright-Proper, all of Fort Wayne, and Joel G. (Maribeth) Wright of New Haven; grandchildren, James (Tara) Wilhelm of Shorewood, Ill., Jason (Anthony) Cline of Atlanta, Ga., Joshua (Justin Kunz) McBride of Austin, Texas, Jenna (Mike) Sturges of Beaumont, Texas, Jaclyn (Rudy) Tamez and Trey Proper, both of Fort Wayne, and Joell Wright of New Haven; great-grandchildren, Jillian Wilhelm of Fort Wayne, Ellie and Emerson Wilhelm, both of Shorewood Ill., and Max and Annie Sturges, both of Beaumont, Texas; and step-grandchildren, Ben (Teresa) Freiburger and Eric (Cindy Lamb) Freiburger, both of Fort Wayne, and Miguel and Paolo Blanco, both of New Haven. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Marylin (Miller) Wright, in 2002; second wife, Jeanine (Roth) Pettit Wright; sister, Shirley Wright; and brother, James Wright. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home For Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne (IN 46809), with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at the funeral home. Burial in Prairie Grove Cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to the Army & Navy Union Garrison or Visiting Nurse. To leave condolences, visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com