Richard L. Wright

1936 - 2018

Richard Wright

Richard L. Wright, 81, of Belleville, IL, born December 12, 1936, in Belleville, IL, died Friday, May 25, 2018, at Freeburg Care Center.

Mr. Wright was the longtime owner and restorer of the historic Lincoln Theatre in Belleville, IL. He served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1960 to 1966. He was past president of Belleville Center. Mr. Wright was a member of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, Belleville Main Street, and the American Legion. He was presented life membership to the St. Louis Theatre Organ Society, to the Belleville Parent Teacher Association, and presented with the Chamber of Commerce Commitment to Community Award by the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Wright also served on the Belleville Public Library Board, and the Board of Belleville Tourism. He served his community on multiple city committees.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon O. and Ophelia M., nee Layoff, Wright.

Surviving are his wife of almost 58 years, Betty, nee Forness, Wright, whom he married on July 4, 1960, two daughters, Sandy (Dave) Schoenborn of Belleville, IL, and Kathy (Mike) Going of Belleville, IL; four grandchildren, Alex Schoenborn, Sydney Schoenborn, Morgan Going of Honolulu, HI, and Mason Going; and a cousin, Wayne (Lucinda) Wright, and their son, Kevin, of Temple City, CA.

Memorials may be made to Belleville Family Hospice or to the Belleville Area Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the Lincoln Theatre, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2018, at the Lincoln Theatre, Belleville, IL.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, IL.