Richard Stephen Wright

Richard Stephen Wright, 71, of Columbus, OH, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay.

Rich was born on September 8, 1954, in Columbus, to the late Richard Thomas & Anna Elise (Binderbasen) Wright.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Wright; children, Bryan (Jessica) Eckstein and Molly Koch; grandchildren, Kaylee, Nathan, Elijah, Iain, Liam, Braxton, Julian, and Kensington; and a sister, Fran Wellnitz. Besides his parents, Rich was preceded in death by grandchildren, Zachary, Karter, and Paxton; and brother-in-law, Jerry Wellnitz.

Rich proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Military Police Officer, after which he became a police officer in first San Francisco, and then Chicago. Rich then worked as a security officer for the Columbus Dispatch for over 30 years. Rich was an active member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 2801 Buckeye Lake.

Rich was a good man. Though he could be described as stubborn at times, he had a funny personality and dry sense of humor. Rich enjoyed watching all sports, but he was an Illinois and Chicago sports fanatic. He also loved music, especially The Beatles. Rich was very smart. He had an interest in trains and planes and possessed a comprehensive knowledge about both. Rich could watch them come and go for hours, and would know the make, model, and any other fascinating information about each train and plane he saw. One of the things he looked forward to the most was enjoying a cigar on his porch, surrounded by his friends and family.

A Celebration of Life for Rich will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, time to be determined, at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 2801 Buckeye Lake, 3240 Walnut Rd, Buckeye Lake, OH 43008. COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME Findlay is assisting with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at coldrencrates.com.