Richard Clayton Wright

Richard Clayton Wright (Dick) was born May 15, 1933, the third of nine children to Mildred (King) Wright and Willard C. Wright.  He was raised as a farm boy in Iowa and Eastern Colorado and loved to tell stories of his childhood on the farm. 

            Richard recalled his parents, as new Christians, being intentional about their children knowing and loving God.  As a 4-year-old, his mother taught him a prayer to say at bedtime, "Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for thee."  One night, he told God, “If that's what you want, then that's what I want."  Richard recognized his awareness of right and wrong beginning at that point.

            Early in his teen years he found opportunities to teach Bible school and Sunday school and be involved in Bible camp.  He told the story of cutting logs for his grandfather on shares.  When his grandfather asked what he was going to do with his share, he said, "donate them to the Bible camp."  Grandpa affirmed that choice by donating some of his logs as well. 

            After graduating from high school Richard attended Midwest Bible and Missionary Institute to deepen his knowledge of the Bible and prepare for Christian service.  There he met his wife, "the perfect partner for ministry"--as he would say in later life. Though he served as a "pulpit fill" for several churches in college, family life then brought them home to the farm.  Yet, God was still working.  While delivering a Bible study one Wednesday evening at church, he became convicted that God wanted him in the ministry.  He told those present that if they would pray for God's provision, he would go back to Bible college and into the ministry.  Within a week, his home and holdings were sold, and he had been admitted to college.  So, God affirmed the direction of his life.

            Though Richard had many and varied income generating positions over the years including construction work, his calling was to the pastorate.  Richard pastored 34 years in 7 churches, wherever a need arose.  Additionally, he served Christian organizations as a financial development officer and initiated a Christian school in his later years. He loved building ministry programs as well as homes. 

            Richard, at the age of 89 years, died peacefully on December 30, 2022, in Whitewater, KS; having taken joy in knowing that his children and grandchildren were living and serving the Savior.  He lived by the verse, “Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord."  (Col 3:23)

            He is preceded in death by Donna, his wife of 67 years; his parents, and 3 siblings, Donald Wright, Rosalee McKimpson, and Virgil Wright.  He is survived by 5 siblings: Jim Wright, Dorothy Nelson, Bonnie (Jim) Freese, Margorie Cording, Paul (Garnet) Wright; as well as  5 children, Paul (Beth) Wright of Mendoza, Argentina, Cherry (Elwyn) Stucky of Whitewater, KS, Sandra (David) Smith of Palmer Lake, CO, Rochelle (Dale) Friesen of Walton, KS, Richard (Jamie) Wright of Derby, KS;  9 grandchildren, Keren, Jonathan (Amber), Lisa (Jorge), Benjamin (Rachel), Josiah, Matthew, Mark, Jordan (Abigail) and Sara; and 5 great grandchildren: Brooke, Caleb, Gideon, Zoe, and Isaac. 

       Family will gather to greet friends on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 2:30-3:30 pm at Centre Point Church, Whitewater, KS. Graveside Service will be held 4:00 pm Friday, January 6, 2023, at the Whitewater Cemetery. Following the graveside service, family and friends will gather back at Centre Point Church, for a meal and memories. Lamb Funeral Home, Whitewater is serving the family.  Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be directed to Wheatstate Manor, Whitewater, KS; Bible Institute of Mendoza, Argentina (Avant Ministries); or Mission Training International: Catalytic Gatherings, Palmer Lake, CO in care of Lamb Funeral Home.  Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Richard at www.yazelmeglifh.com