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John Chester Wright
1954 - 2025
John Chester Wright
1954 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1954
DIED
2025
John Wright Obituary
Colonel John C. Wright, a distinguished Marine whose 40-year career exemplified leadership and service, passed away on September 12, 2025, at age 71 in Portland, Oregon. His wife, daughter, and son were by his side.
Born in 1954, John's life was defined by his unwavering dedication to the United States Marine Corps, his family, and the nation. Inspired by his grandfather's Marine legacy and the Corps' reputation for camaraderie, John enlisted in 1972 during the Vietnam War, choosing the Marines over an Army draft. From security forces guard aboard the USS Independence, he rose from corporal to Colonel. Mentored by Maj. Gen. George M. Karamarkovich, John excelled as Chief of Staff for Marine Corps Installations Pacific, overseeing regional operations. At his 2012 retirement in Okinawa, Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri awarded him the Legion of Merit, praising him as "a tremendous force for the Marine Corps." John urged Marines to "create opportunities, improve themselves, and serve the institution."
Most importantly was how John loved and cared for his family and friends, and how they loved and cared for him in return. He was admired and respected by all who knew him, and he made people feel listened to and supported. John cherished his close relationships with both grandchildren, and they gave his life new meaning and tremendous joy.
John was a deep and thoughtful man with an incredible sense of humor, a steadfast integrity, a genuine humility, great taste in film and music, a weakness for chocolate, and was absolutely meticulous in everything he did. John changed and touched everyone he met and he will never be forgotten; we will miss him greatly.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Karen; daughter Jennifer; son John Jr, daughter in law Kristina; son in law John, grandson John III; granddaughter Charlotte; and his faithful companion Pepper.
John will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. To receive notice of the service once more details are available, contact Karen Wright. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the USO in John's honor: https://www.uso.org/donate/donate-in-honor/.
30 Entries
Major Raymond & Mrs. Lynda Rowland
October 25, 2025
So sorry Karen and the families loss!
He was a great Marine and friend that I had the pleasure to serve with!
Major Ray "Rainman" & Mrs. Lynda Rowland USMC Ret. Karen let us know when he will be inturned at Arlington.
Heather Shanks
October 22, 2025
Jack and I were reminiscing recently and were both so sad when we happened across Colonel Wright's obituary. We were immediately reminded of how much you and Colonel Wright positively impacted our lives. You are both such salt of the earth, genuine people. The kind who leave a lasting impression just by the way you carry yourselves and care for others. We have such fond memories of our time in Hawaii with you and are so grateful that our paths crossed. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and deepest appreciation for the example and kindness your family has shared with so many.
With love and warm remembrance Heather and Jack Shanks
Rose Schaefer
October 9, 2025
Rose Schaefer
October 9, 2025
How you can show support
Rose Schaefer
October 9, 2025
Thomas Escandon
October 8, 2025
My condolences to the Wright family. Officers and SNCO base run for fund raiser at MALS-36 Okinawa. We wore dresses to raise money. True Leader of Marines...
Rose Schaefer
October 3, 2025
Rose Schaefer
October 3, 2025
Rose Schaefer
September 30, 2025
RoseSchaefer
September 29, 2025
Rose Schaefer
September 29, 2025
Rose Schaefer
September 29, 2025
Past few months felt like years. Miss you so much John. Fly high. Rest in paradise
Nathan Hill
September 27, 2025
You will be missed Col. Wright
Nicholas Tazza
September 24, 2025
Your mentorship and friendship will truly be missed! Semper Fi!
Chaplain Quinn O´Bannon, CAPT, USN
September 23, 2025
Condolences to the Wright family during this time of loss. I worked for Colonel Wright at Marine Corps Element Kuwait in 2009 while we were deployed in support of OIF/OEF. He was a fine man and great leader who impacted all of those he served alongside. He will be missed.
Almira
September 22, 2025
Rest in Peace John!
Almira
Amy and Joe Davis
September 22, 2025
It is with deep sorrow to know the passing of Colonel Wright. He was not only a respected leader but also a kind-hearted friend. During his time with us at MCIPAC, he showed unwavering care and consideration for the MLC employees, always treating us with dignity and warmth. His leadership was guided not only by professionalism but also by genuine compassion.
I am personally grateful for the friendship he extended to me beyond the workplace. His kindness, encouragement, and good heart left a lasting impact on my life. I will deeply miss him, but I will always remember him with gratitude and respect. My deepest condolences to Karen, John Jr., Jennifer, John CWIII, and Charlotte, the family he always mentioned and cared for.
Joe Jacobs
September 21, 2025
I visited Col Wright and Karen at their home in South Carolina in 2016 after I relocated from Okinawa to GA to work for the National Park Service. I was on my way to Congaree and Fort Sumter visiting both parks in the region and I msg´d him to see if he was going to be home. He was happy to see me and we talked for a few hours while Karen made us a nice lunch. It was great seeing him and Karen and happy I got this picture before I left his home. I enjoyed working for him on Okinawa and glad I was able to spend this time with him. Thank you Sir for the support and leadership...Semper Fi!
Victor Wigfall
September 19, 2025
My condolences to Karen, the family, and friends. I was fortunate to share an office with John in Okinawa, where I truly came to know and respect him. A Marine who embodied honor and integrity, he´ll always be remembered. Rest easy, brother.
Aaron Arce
September 19, 2025
Semper Fi may God bless your family.
Michael Jackson
September 18, 2025
A Marine who supported me as the Chief of Staff in Okinawa, while I supported Marines, sailors and their families. Rest in peace.
Michael Mink
September 18, 2025
Over the past few years, John and I corresponded through messages, and his steadfast faith and thoughtful words always shone through. He welcomed Kim and me into his circle and family with Karen while we worked under his command in Okinawa, Japan, mentoring us with a leadership style rooted in genuine care and integrity. His guidance left an indelible mark, and his warmth made us feel like family. John, or "RR" as we knew him, will be deeply missed. Semper Fi.
George and Zoe Trautman
September 18, 2025
John was an outstanding Marine and a man of incredible integrity and honor. He loved his family and his Marines. He will be missed.
Col Rich Flatau, USMC ret.
September 18, 2025
With deep sympathy for the Wright family, John's enduring Marine friends and colleagues, and other friends over the course of his life.
Semper fidelis
Maureen Murphy
September 18, 2025
John was very dedicated to his service as a Marine a giant man in his own way. Our hearts break for his family but always remember his kind heart and devotion.
Love to Karen, Jennifer, John jr and his grandchildren
Dennis and Maureen Murphy
Joe Ruiz
September 18, 2025
John was an awesome Marine leader and gentleman. It was an honor to know him, RIP Sir!
Dennis McCormack
September 17, 2025
I knew John since we were young teens. He was a great man and brother-in -law , he will truly be missed.
Richie Kot
September 17, 2025
John :your forever in our hearts
See you when we get there.
Love Richie & Re
Sally Falco
September 17, 2025
I never knew a better leader. I never knew a better Marine. I thank God he put the Colonel and Karen in my life. He will be missed so much but left so much good behind to carry on to others. I salute him now and always. Karen love you! You guys made 50 years wow look easy!!!!
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