Joe Wright

Joseph Homer Wright was born December 22, 1925 in South Fork, Missouri, one of eight children born to Homer Joseph and Phoebe A. (Alsup) Wright.  He grew up in Moody, Missouri, where he attended school through his junior year.

On September 13, 1944, Joe was inducted into the United States Army.  While assigned to the 102^nd Infantry Division Private Wright engaged in battles in Rhineland Central Europe.  On April 29, 1945, while serving as a rifleman, Joe was captured by the enemy near the Elbe River in Germany.  He was liberated on May 4, 1945 by the 82^nd Airborne Division.  He was awarded the EAMET Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Ribbon upon his Honorable Discharge on February 24, 1946.  He was honored throughout the years for being a POW, a status that was not nationally recognized until 1986.  

After being discharged Joe returned back home and completed his high school education.  His strong work ethic led him to many occupations, including a bulldozer operator, salesman for BJ Hughes, and later a parts manager at Vulcan Chemicals.  He worked for Vulcan for 25 years before retiring at the age of 75.  He then followed a lifelong dream of becoming a rancher and enjoyed being a cattleman for 15 years, making daily trips to check his livestock at their ranch near Norwich, Kansas.  

In 1970, Joe was blessed with his daughter, Nicole.  In 2016, Joe and Nicole had an unforgettable trip, when they were able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington DC.  The trip was interesting as the government was currently on shutdown, but many of the places they visited went above and beyond to make sure the Veterans had a memorable experience.  This trip gave Joe an opportunity to reunite with fellow veterans who had shared similar experiences, and he found peace in sharing stories with them and stories with Nicole, stories she will cherish forever.  

BarBara’s life was complete when she met “Mr. Right.”  Joe and BarBara were united in marriage on April 22, 1997 at the Congregational Church in Anthony with their grandchildren as attendants.  Their honeymoon was spent in Europe visiting many countries.  

Joe had a talent for woodworking and created many beautiful projects for family and friends.  He also enjoyed square dancing and gardening. 

On January 24, 2026, Joe passed away at his home in Anthony, Kansas at the age of 100.  He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Gene Wright, Ada Oaks, Elberta Hutchison, Marion Kelley, and Floyd Wright; daughter-in-law, Debbie Volavka; and son-in-law, Robert Justice. 

Joe will be deeply missed by his wife, BarBara Wright; children: Nicole (Dwayne) Winter, Mike Volavka, Jennie Justice, and Cindy (Daryl) Werner; brothers, Wayne Wright and David Wright; 11 grandchildren:  Cody, Brooke, Dustin, JoAnn, Kevin, Lyle, Brandon, CheyAn, Ashley, Danielle, and Christopher;  16 great-grandchildren: Addy Jo, Jaylen, Gunner, Kyler, Kodi, Kelsie, Jase, Rhett, Emmalea, Jackson, Grayson, Zachary, Allison, A.J., Austin, and Cade; several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and a host of friends.  

Funeral service was held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Walters officiating.  Prelude music, “If I Could See the World Through the Eyes of a Child” by Patsy Cline was played.  Diana Busby sang “You Have Come to the Lakeshore,” “In the Garden,” and “Always.”  

Burial with Military Honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard followed in the Czechoslovakian Cemetery, west of Caldwell.  Casket bearers were Cody Winter, Dustin Winter, Kevin Volavka, Lyle Volavka, Christopher Werner, Brandon Justice, Ernst Janse Van Vuuren.  

Memorials in memory of Joe may be made payable to Country Care Hospice or to the Czechoslovakian Cemetery and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.