Merlin H. Wright

Merlin H. Wright, 84, passed into the loving hands of the Lord Thursday, March 3, at the Lee House in Eldon, MO.   Merlin had resided there since 2004.   Merlin was born at Eugene, MO, January 26, 1938, the son of Garcia “Garsy” and Ruby (Allee) Wright.  He was baptized at an early age into the Church of Christ by evangelist John Burnett.  He was an excellent student of the Bible and remained a faithful follower and steadfast believer in the divinity and saving power of Jesus Christ. 

Merlin was a 1956 Graduate of Cole R-V High School at Eugene and Bailey Technical School of St. Louis’s intensive one year electronics technician course for which he received an FCC license. He served two four year “hitches” in the U.S. Navy as a petty officer helping crew the WWII era destroyer USS Kidd, the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, and America’s first nuclear powered carrier, the USS Enterprise.   Shore duty included two-way radio repair at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Base in Puerto Rico.

Merlin Wright played the guitar and banjo and was an avid fan of the great Hank Williams and of traditional country and bluegrass music. He was a checker player of the first order and after taking up chess, became proficient enough to occasionally outmatch his computer.    Friends and family were happily apprised of these triumphs.  Merlin was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and thoroughbred racing and for many years could quote the name and year of every Triple Crown winner. A talented water colorist, Merlin gifted numerous of his paintings to friends and family.   

Merlin H. Wright is survived by two brothers, Bernie G. Wright (Donna) of Kirkwood, MO and Alan T. Wright (Mary) of Pawleys Island, SC.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Glenn L. Wright (Rose) of McIntosh, FL, and a sister Patricia Tucker (Paul) of Eldon, MO. 

The Wright Family would like to thank the Lee House Staff, especially Director Diana Juncker, for the friendship and care afforded to Merlin over the years.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 8, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO   with the Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 AM with Minister Travis Hardesty officiating.  Interment with full military honors will follow at Mt. Union Cemetery near Brumley, MO.   

Donations in honor of Merlin H. Wright may be made to the U.S. Marine Corps. “Toys for Tots” program.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO. 

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