Richard Melvin Wright

Richard M. Wright, 80, of Elkton, SD, passed away peacefully at his home on February 7, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at United Parish of Elkton. The family will be present for visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place at the Elkton City Cemetery.

Richard was born April 17, 1945 in Hendricks, Minnesota, to Melvin and Clara Wright. He graduated from Verdi High School in 1963.

On April 22, 1965 he was united in marriage to Lynea Bebensee. They traveled throughout South Dakota building bridges for the interstate system where Rich was a crane operator. In 1974 they purchased a farm at White, South Dakota. Rich continued to follow his passion of heavy equipment by becoming a licensed installer of septic systems and water lines. He also dug several stock ponds in the area. He continued to farm along with his construction work for twenty-seven years, when he sold the farm and they purchased a home in Grenville, SD. He continued to work with his heavy equipment in the Grenville area until 2019. They decided to come back to the Elkton area and moved to an acreage outside of Elkton.

Rich enjoyed fishing, hunting, family gatherings, dancing, his projects in his shop, his big boy toys, and was happiest when he was working.

They were foster parents for eleven years. During this time, they welcomed five children into their home.

He is survived by his wife, Lynea, of 60 years, one son Darin, brother Jim Wright of Tyler, Minnesota, sister-in-law, Judy Wright, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ann Petersen, brother Cliff Wright, sister, Clarice Borns, nephew, Shawn Collins, niece, Kara Jo Erickson, and special granddaughter, Jazzmyn.