Raymond Wright Sr., 78, of Parsons died at 9:26 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010, at the Labette Health emergency room in Parsons. He had been in failing health, but his death was unexpected.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1932, in Calhoun County, W.V., to Robert and Ethel (Starcher) Wright. He grew up in Calhoun County and attended country schools there. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1952. He returned to West Virginia following his military service.

He married Irene Shields in 1952 in West Virginia. She preceded him in death on July 17, 1984.

He married Pamela “Pam” Maxton on March 10, 1990, at Parsons Foursquare Church. She survives of the home.

He moved with his family to Howard and then to Cherryvale. He eventually moved to Parsons in 1986. He worked at various jobs over the years, including the Parsons Sun, Power Flame and the Good Samaritan Society.

He volunteered to transport people with disabilities in West Virginia. He enjoyed his family, especially his children, grandchildren and nephews. He loved cooking, woodworking, gardening, fishing and deer hunting.

In addition to his wife, Raymond’s survivors include two sons, Raymond Wright Jr. of Cherryvale and Russell Wright of Lansing; his daughter, Janice Nading, and her husband, Ken, of Oswego; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Janice Allison of Howard; numerous nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.

Following cremation, there will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery patio. Burial will follow.

Memorials are suggested to the Raymond Wright Sr. Memorial Fund and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.