John Wright

John Wright, 81, of Mount Pleasant, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

John was born October 18, 1943, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Merton and Ruth (Burrows) Wright. He attended Mount Pleasant High School, but felt he was being called to serve his country, driven by a deep love for this great nation. John proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he received his high school diploma in 1962. John owned and successfully operated Packers Sanitation for many years before his retirement. On November 22, 1980, John was married to Kimberly Anne Heywood, the couple shared a life together until Kim’s death in May of 2017. John married Becky Jerabek on April 21, 2018. Their marriage was built on love and laughter, enriched by their travels, their stories, and the many memories they created together.

He was a member of the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club and the Moose Lodge. John loved to play golf and achieved the rare feat of two hole-in-ones. Travel was one of John’s greatest passions. He visited all 50 states and an impressive 81 countries, some of them multiple times. His travels were filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. John enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends.

John is survived by his wife Becky; two daughters Paula (Steve) Cox of Cordova, IL, Angie (Kirby) Booton of Mount Pleasant; mother of his children Karen Wright of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren Natalie (Sam) Taylor, Haley (Thayne) McElhinney, Emily (Tyler) Hill, Madeline Cox, Jeffery Cox; five great grandchildren; step-sons Louis (Carol) McCaslin, Joseph Jerabek; five step grandchildren; and brother Bradley (Nancy) Wright of Albert Lea, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kimberly; siblings Mary Russell, Betty Hall, Dorothy Lamm, Richard Wright, and William Wright.

Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club. The family will be present to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Mount Pleasant Golf and Country Club or the Make A Wish Foundation. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for John and his family.