Joseph Wright

Joseph Edward Wright

Joe Wright, 87, died peacefully at his home near Forreston on Sunday, August 16, with his wife of 57 years by his side. Joe and Beth were longtime members of the community with Joe having been born and raised in the Five Points – Forreston area.

Joe was born August 31, 1932 to T.L. (Tom) and Sue Simmons Wright. He farmed and ranched in the area for many years before going to work for TXI and later Tyler Refrigeration from which he retired.

Joe was a member of Ellis County Cowboy Church and was a longtime member of the PRCA. He won the 1959 Kowbell Rodeo Mansfield Championship in Bulldogging and the IPRA 1960 World Championship in steer wrestling.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and Beth’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Guy McDonald, his brother Wade Wright, sisters LaRue Wright Kirkland and Donna Wright Darnell, his son, Joe Wright, brother’s-in-law Robert Robinson, Kenneth McDonald and Brooks McDonald, sister-in-law Elaine McDonald Garrett, grandsons Bryan Matthew Wood and Brandon Reese.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Beth) McDonald Wright, sister Enid Robinson, brother-in-law Oscie Kirkland, sister-in-law Helen McDonald, daughters Kim McCarty, Regina Reese (Mark), Deana Morgan (Danny), and son Tommy Wright.

Joe and Beth shared many blessings including grandchildren Justin Deal (Barbara), Nikki Parks (Dan), Seth Wright (Leia), Whitney Wright Laza (Jimmy), Cadie Claire Pylant, Taylor Wright, Emma Wright, Cory Dugan (Cari), Jason Dugan (Emily), and Tim Dugan (Jamie).

Joe and Beth were also blessed to have the love of 18 great-grandchildren.

Joe also leaves behind a host of family and friends including nieces and nephews that will miss his quiet and loving demeanor. The family, in honoring his wishes, will have a private service and interment at Forreston Cemetery at a date to be determined.