John Wright

(From Parker Mortuary)

John Leonard Wright, age 73, of Seneca, MO passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Freeman Hospital in Joplin after a valiant battle against cancer.

John was born on December 19, 1951 in Joplin, MO to the late union of John D. and Kathleen M. (Dunn) Wright. He was a 1969 graduate of Webb City High School. After graduating, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17. He then went on to complete several courses through the military including, Defensive Driving given at Coastal Carolina Community College. 

After being honorably discharged and returning to civilian life, John worked at Tamko for 20 years and retired in 1997 as the lead granule man. After retiring from Tamko, he then worked several jobs until finally landing at Eagle Picher for the remainder of his career until retirement. John was an avid golfer and even had his own driving range in his backyard. He was extremely family oriented and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He worked hard his whole life and always made a way to provide for his family. He enjoyed listening to and playing music, learning history and shooting pool at all the local Joplin Pool Halls with his best friend, Leonard Johnson. Above everything though, John was an extremely proud papa.

John is survived by his two children, Melody Thorne and husband, Casey, and Matthew Wright and wife, Nicole; three grandchildren, Steffanie Thorne and fiancé, Dakota Ivy, Caleb Wright and fiancé, Mallori Houchin, and Kaelee Wright; and his best-friend/brother, Leonard Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Generations Free Will Baptist Church, 2301 Connecticut Avenue Joplin, MO, 64804 with a visitation to follow until 3:00 p.m.

Cremation arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.