Dennis Wright

Dallas, TX - Dennis Martin Wright passed away on January 29, 2026 with his children and grandchildren by his side. Born on August 4, 1939 to Erma (Martin) and Aris L. Wright in Wichita, Kansas. Dennis graduated from Wichita North High School and from there he attended Michigan State University for two years but returned to Wichita State University to complete his undergraduate studies. He was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity, served as the fraternity president and as the student body representative on the athletic council. He met Karen Hellar at Wichita State, they married in 1963 and upon graduation moved to Liberal, Kansas to begin his 48 year career in education. Dennis taught speech and debate, served as the assistant principal at various Wichita middle and high schools, and founded Munger Alternative School. He spent 25 years in the Maize School District, serving as principal of Vermillion Elementary and ending his career as an associate superintendent. He served on the Maize Board of Education, was a professor at Friends University and actively participated on the Wichita Mediation Task Force. He coached boys cross country, girls track and was a wrestling coach. Early on in his career, he lent his voice to many football and basketball games in the city of Wichita. He could be heard as "The Voice of the Eagles" on Friday nights in Maize during the 1980s and '90s. Dennis had a huge capacity for believing in the underdog. He was a fierce proponent for children and teachers, believing in every child and knowing that each teacher could make a difference. He was known to pick reluctant students up for school, show up at their houses if they had missed multiple days or redesign curriculum in an attempt to better understand how they learned. When Dennis retired he moved to Dallas, Texas to be closer to his children and grandchildren. His zest for life and his love for community moved with him. Dennis was actively involved with CASA, delivered Meals on Wheels and spent close to 11,000 hours volunteering at his beloved Dallas Arboretum. He spent countless hours reading at his grandchildren's schools, cheering on each of them at sporting events and dance recitals, and showing up for every birthday party and awards ceremony. Affectionately known as Pops, he spun tall tales about his adventures in life and is no doubt continuing his story telling in heaven.

Dennis is survived by his children Andy (Jan Langlinais), Amy (Richard Cuccia), Ben (Lydia Wright) and Carrie (Scott Snelgrove) and fourteen grandchildren: Kristen Wright, Andrew "Drew" Wright, Tessa Wright, Abby Cuccia, Hank Cuccia, Libby Cuccia, Ruby Cuccia, Hattie Mae Cuccia, Charlie Wright, Gwenie Wright, Avery Bishop, Peyton Bishop, Gracyn Bishop and Cayden Snelgrove. Preceded in death by his parents Erma and Aris L. Wright and his sister DeeAnn Wright Nimrod.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas on Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 in the morning. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Dallas Arboretum in Dallas, Texas.