Kenneth Richard Wright

Kenneth R. “Dick” Wright, 83, passed away peacefully at his home on February 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

 Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 on Tuesday, February 18, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel (1640 N. MO 291 Hwy, Liberty, MO 64068). A memorial service will follow at 2:00. Afterwards, inurnment will follow at Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty, Missouri. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wilkerson Food Pantry in care of Liberty Christian Church (DOC).

 Dick was born on March 24, 1941, in Trenton, Missouri, to Victor and Emily (Schooler) Wright. At the age of 13, he moved with his family to Kansas City and attended North Kansas City Schools. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lynn C. Hopkins, while they were both students at North Kansas City High School. After graduating together in May 1959, Dick and Lynn eloped on Halloween, October 31, 1959, exchanging vows in the living room of the Justice of the Peace in Miami, Oklahoma.

 Dick was a proud member of Teamsters Local 41 and spent 30 years as a truck driver for Ideal Truck Lines. His clients affectionately referred to him as “The Ideal Man” whenever he arrived with a delivery. In addition to his career, Dick was committed to public service, working part-time for the Pleasant Valley Police Department, serving as a Pleasant Valley City Councilman, and acting as a past President of the Pleasant Valley Civic Organization.

 Outside of work and service, Dick had a passion for making silver jewelry, was an avid reader, collected frogs, and had an extensive book collection.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Vaden and Nelly Hopkins; his brother, John Wright (2007); and his son, Patrick Wright (January 11, 2025).

 Dick is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Lynn; his beloved family: Mike Wright and Lysa, Elizabeth Russell, Mary Wright, Jessica and Jason Mauzey, Amber Wright, Justin and Cassie Wright, Jacob and Paige Wright, and Lyric Russell, 10 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Linda LaSala.

 Dick will be remembered for his sense of humor, his kind heart, unwavering dedication to family, and lifelong commitment to his community. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.