William "Bill" E. Wright, 56, died at 7:50 p.m. May 26, 2009, at The Ohio State University Medical Center Ross Heart Hospital, Columbus.
He was born to Patricia Wright, of Ada, and was adopted by his grandparents, Wayne and Anna Wright, of Ada, who preceded him in death. On Nov. 10, 1972, he married Janice E. Guider, of Harrod, who survives.
Mr. Wright graduated from Ada High School in 1972. He proudly served six years in the U.S. Marine Reserve. He worked at Peabody-Galion in Galion, Sugar Creek Farms, and at J-B Tool for 19 years and then at Orick's in Elida until 2002. He was a member of St. Paul U.C.C. in Wapakoneta, where he helped with the LOGOS Program. He was also a past adult member of Boy Scout Troop 9 in Wapakoneta. He also spent eight years of foster parenting to over 38 children. His favorite past times included camping, hiking and spending time with his grandson, Christopher.
Survivors include a son Dwayne (Melanie) Wright, of Wapakoneta; a grandson, Christopher Wright, of Wapakoneta; seven adopted sisters, Evelyn (Lester) Fleming, of Lafayette, Betty Jo Klingler, of Ada, Helen Smith, of Lima, Norma David, of Marion, Cecil Williams, of Cairo,Patricia Betz, of Kenton, and Phyllis Jean Vermillion, of Belle Center.
He was preceded in death by six adopted brothers, Ralph, Leo, Ray, Floyd, Wayne L. and Gary Wright; and two adopted sisters, Shirley and Rosemary.
Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. today at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta. Dr. Alex Gondola will officiate. Burial will be in Buckland Cemetery, with military rites conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8445.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul UCC Scholarship or Camping Fund in Wapakoneta.