John Howard Wright, age 77, passed away from dementia, on Sunday, September 19, 2021 surrounded by his family at his home in Oak City, Utah. John was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, with a great sense of humor for those that knew him and a deep love for his family. John was born May 2, 1944 in Evanston, Illinois to Rodney Alvin and Wynnie Rose Spendlove. He was the fourth of 5 boys. Rambunctious and rowdy was the recipe of love in the Wright home. At the age of 1, the family moved from Illinois back to Hinckley, Utah where he attended elementary school in Hinckley, junior high and high school in Delta, graduating in 1962. Everywhere dad went, he created lasting bonds of friendship and love.
John’s love for music began at an early age when he and a friend created the first and only radio station, KLIK in Hinckley, broadcasting music “illegally” from his record collection for all to hear. This passion led him to take classes and graduate from Weltech College in 1963 in Electronics Engineering. After meeting the love of his life, Rachel Dutson, they were instantly joined and inseparable. Being together for 57 years, they made the perfect couple, he a little sour and her a little sweet. They were married in the Manti Temple on June 1, 1968, just celebrating their 53rd anniversary. They spent the first few years living in Provo, Utah where they both attended school and worked. Dad graduated from BYU in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts. He joined the Army National Guard Artillery Unit 222. Taking him to training in the vast lands of El Paso, Texas and Huachuca, Arizona, receiving an honorable discharge in 1972.
John and Rachel moved to Oak City. There John worked for Brush Wellman and the Radio station KDLT in Delta. This time broadcasting music “legally”, but still from his record collection. When United Parcel Service (UPS) came to Utah in 1975, he was the first driver hired in Millard County. John spent long hours and many miles each day delivering the never-ending packages. UPS was his life for the next 25 years, retiring in 2001.
He loved to work with his hands and knew how to put in a hard day’s work, from sunup to sundown. He poured his blood, sweat and tears into their home, everything was made by his hands leaving his fingerprints behind. He always talked about his great Ford Galaxie and the many races both won and lost. He always loved to spend time with his father and brothers on the Kanara mountain at his brother’s cabin hunting and just plain enjoying one another. Later bringing his own family to the beauty and history of the southern and west desert and his love for the outdoors. He loved to cut wood, letting his brother, Ed, lead him on many great adventures and wild memories always searching for the next load. He loved spending time with his family and grandkids, camping, hunting, riding the 4-wheelers and motorcycles at the sand dunes. There was always a project that needed his master skills. He loved dancing and had some smooth moves. There was always music in the background. Music and Gunsmoke were his favorites up to the end.
John was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings both on the Ward and Stake level. Especially honoring the calling of home teacher.
John is survived by his wife: Rachel, Oak City; his children: Wes (Megan) Wellsville, Ut; and Abbie Petersen, Oak City; brother: Mel (Amy) Wright, Hinckley; and 7 grandchildren: Dillan, Chase, MeKell, Gabe, Dani, Cole and Vince; sisters-in-law: Carma Wright, Marysville, Washinton; Anna May Wright, Laverkin, Utah; Varla Wright, Phoenix, Arizona. He is proceeded in death by his parents and three brothers: Bob, Elwyn and Ed; niece: Dorothy Ottley.
The family wishes to thank At Home Hospice, the nurses & CNAs with the care and compassionate services they rendered during our dad’s last few days.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 25, at 11:30 am, at the Oak City LDS Chapel, 35 East Center Street. A Viewing will be held Saturday, 9:30-11:10 am, prior to the service. Friends are also invited to view the live stream of the Funeral Service. The link will be posted on his obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com. Burial with military rites will follow in the Oak City Cemetery.