Jesse Greene Wright, 92, of Oak Grove, MO passed away peacefully of natural causes Tuesday, February 15, 2011 surrounded by family at the Golden Living Center in Odessa, MO.
Jesse was born January 11, 1919 in Hinch, MO to Robert E. and Alice E. (Mason) Wright. From a boyhood on the Meramec River in southeast Missouri, he moved to the territory of Alaska to fulfill his dream of trapping in the wilderness. While there, he was drafted into the Army for service during the Second World War. After the War, he returned to his parent’s home in Kennett, MO. IN 1945 he married the love of his life, Judith Merle Sellers. A few years later he moved his young family to Alaska. There he worked for the Alaska Railroad, while also working as a big game guide and commercial fisherman. Jesse built a number of cabins around Alaska including the family homestead and the family home in Anchorage, using local materials he crafted himself. Jesse and Merle retired to farm life in Oak Grove, MO. Like a Johnny Appleseed, he planted many black walnut groves that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren would see mature. He built a sawmill on the farm that he used in making gunstocks and their new farmhouse. In the great room he displayed many wildlife mounts and other natural treasures. Old & young alike have delighted in the stories he loved to tell about his days as a pioneer, homesteader, trapper, and bush pilot. Jesse enjoyed planting and grafting in their orchard and sharing the bounty from their large strawberry patch.
He was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ) where he held the priesthood office of Teacher.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Robert & Alice Wright; brothers, Isaiah Wright, Hubert Wright, and Paul Wright; sisters, Thelma Fleming and Irene Kimber; his beloved wife of 57 years, Merle Wright; and his great-grandson, Tanner Twitchell.
His survivors include two sons: Patrick Wright and wife Geri of Anchorage, AK, and Michael Wright and wife Linda of Oak Grove, MO; two daughters: Judith Wright Twitchell of Independence, MO, and Jessie C.W. Meller and husband Eddy Felker of Odessa, MO; 15 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Lindell Wright of Independence, MO; and sister, Berna Dallon of Pasa Robles, CA.
Visitation will be Friday, February 18, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the funeral home. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Grove, MO.
Jesse’s family would like to thank the staffs at Golden Living Center and at Hospice Advantage for their loving care and support during his stay at the center.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Red Cros (www.kcredcross,org ph 816-931-8400) or the Hospice Advantage, 12021 NW Jefferson St., Ste E, Blue Springs, MO 64015 (www.hospiceadvantage.com)
Arr: Royer Funeral Home, 101 SE 15th St., Oak Grove, MO (816) 690-4441