Thomas J. Wright

Thomas J. Wright, of Rochester, IL, passed away on October 28, 2021 at his residence. He was born October 25, 1926, in Edinburg, IL. He was married to Martha Lou Sexton in 1956.

He is survived by his sister, Freda Keller of Sherman, IL, two sons, Wayne F. Wright of Phoenix, AZ, and Timothy J. Wright (Ruth) of Rochester, IL, three granddaughters, Sonja (Greg) Mullink, Deborah Wright, and Mary (Neil) Ferris, two great grandsons, Mason (Larissa) Lloyd, and Stan (Alicia) Lloyd, and a great-great granddaughter, Avery.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Wright and Matilda Ethel “Ethel” (Sillyman) Wright, his siblings James Wright, Esther Spurgeon, Sarah Diestelkamp, Mabel Spurgeon, Charles Wright, and Iva Robinson, his lovely wife, Martha Lou Sexton, and his son, Thomas Warren Wright.

Thomas graduated for Rochester High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy (1944-1947). His tour took him through the Panama Canal to Hawaii and many Pacific Islands including Guam, Siapan, Okinawa, Philippines, to Japan and China, below the equator, to Canada, Alaska, and through the Bearing Strait to the North Pole. He joined the Naval reserve and attained the rank of “Chief Boatswain’s Mate”. He served on three ships while on active duty; USS Sarita, USS Rolette, and USS Nereus. He was awarded medals for American Theatre Asiatic-Pacific Theatre, World War II Victory Metal, Good Conduct, China Service, and Naval Reserve Meritorious Service.

After serving in the Navy. He went on to make a career working for the Chicago & Illinois Midland Railway as the Chief of Police. He retired in 1992.

After retirement, he enjoyed spending his time with maintaining the family farm, enjoying time with his grandchildren and other family, watching Chicago Cubs games, and watching Billiards Vintage Movies from the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

His visitation will be 5 – 7 pm, Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield. Funeral will be at 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Neil Ferris officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be given to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

CDC protocol shall be followed.

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