Joe R. Wright

Joe R. Wright, 90, of Geneseo, and longtime Geneseo Funeral Director, passed away Monday, February 13, 2017, at the home of his daughter.   A memorial service celebrating his life will at 4 pm on Sunday, February 19th, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Geneseo.  Inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo at a later date.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 2-4 pm on Sunday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Geneseo Food Pantry.  Cremation rites have been accorded by Vandemore Crematory.

Joe was born on February 22, 1926, in Somerville, IN, the son of John and Mrytle (Brown) Wright.  He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1944.  He proudly served our country in the US Navy from 1944-1946, as a Seaman 2nd Class.  He graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1947.  He was united in marriage to Nellie W. Keag on December 28, 1947, in Geneseo.  Joe founded Wright Funeral Home in 1955 and operated it for many years.  He and Bill Myers then formed a partnership creating Myers-Wright Funeral Service, which he and Bill operated until he retired in 1985.  After his retirement, he worked for Pinks Bus Service for several years and for Vandemore Funeral Home in Geneseo.

Joe was a member of First Presbyterian Church.  He was also a longtime member of the Geneseo Country Club and the Grid Club.   He performed with the Richmond Hill Players in several productions.  Joe was one of the first funeral directors to be certified to perform eye enucleation for a cornea transplant.  He coached the Little League football team, the Rams, and enjoyed following Geneseo sports.  He also enjoyed spending time with his coffee buddies, golfing, walking, but most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie; daughters, Carol (Kent) Johnson of Geneseo, and Linda (Bruce) Wrightwood of Huntley, IL; son, Audie (Laurie) Wright of GA; grandchildren, Kurt (Jill) Hutchinson, Tony (Gabriella) Hutchinson, Kelsey Wrightwood, and Abby Johnson; great-grandchildren, Madeline, Emma, Jack, and Samuel.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane, six sisters, and three brothers.

Share a message of sympathy with Joe’s family by clicking on the Guest Book/ Condolence tab.

 Service Information