James L. Wright

James Leroy Wright, 80, Webb City, passed away Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, at home following a long illness. James was born Feb. 5, 1930, in Kiowa, KS, to Rollie and Josephine Coberley Wright.

He retired as Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force; he was enlisted from February 1949 to July 31, 1971. He then worked as a master mechanic until his retirement in 1979.

He married Anne Kirkman on Sept. 26, 1951, in England; she passed away in 1995. He married Gladys Alean (Hicks) Mast Wright on May 17, 1977, in Stockton. She survives.

Additional survivors include: three sons - Matthew Wright and his wife, Yolanda - Kempner, TX, Clifford Wright and his wife, Theresa - Clearwater, FL, and James Wright and his wife, Kathy - Cocoa Beach, FL; two stepsons, Lonnie Mast and his wife, Linda - Wichita, KS, and Don Mast - El Sorante, CA; two daughters, Olive Talley and her husband, Steve - Webb City, and Stella Miller and her husband, Robert - Izora, TX; four brothers - Edmond Wright - Wilmington, IL, Gerald Wright and Richard Wright - both of Shell Knob, and David Wright - Santa Clarita, CA; three sisters - Bertha Jo Ray and her husband, Mendon - Joplin, Betty A. Comstock - Webb City, and Florine Miller - Leawood, KS; 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandchildren Jessica Anne Wright and Mary Martha Talley.

Services were held Monday at Mason-Woodard Chapel. Lonnie Mast officiated. Those gentlemen serving as pallbearers were - Mendon Ray, Jerry Comstock, T.J. Ray, Steve Talley, Raymond Talley and Robert Miller. Burial was in the El Dorado Springs Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason Woodard Mortuary of Joplin and Webb City.