Richard Wright

Richard Lee Wright

July 1, 1932 – September 17, 2025

Age 93

Richard Lee Wright of Ridge Farm, IL, was born in Vermilion, Illinois, to Russell and Francis (Vaughn) Wright, who preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Edna Wright on July 1, 1951, at State Line Christian Church near Blanford, Indiana. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by those who loved him most, after a lengthy battle with leukemia.

Richard attended Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, IL. and Johnson's Bible College in Knoxville, TN. He devoted his life to ministry, sharing his faith and compassion with all who knew him. A proud member of the Bible Belt Region of the United States, his values leaned conservative. He worked hard, felt an inner calling, and began to study the Scriptures. He often looked the other way and, like all of us, sometimes stumbled—just as Jesus stumbled while carrying the cross to Golgotha. Richard saw the beam and the speck within his own eye, as well as in others.

Richard worked at Lauhoff Grain Company (Bunge) for close to 30 years before retiring. He was a Bean Plant Supervisor and was well liked by his peers. 

Religious institutions—fundamentalists, Catholics, Protestants—all held something he longed for, and all had their weaknesses. Richard knew his own. He longed to be a good servant, to give freely, and many times he succeeded—even when he faltered. He admired how Jesus knew the intentions of those who approached Him, and he studied Christian writings so that when he preached, he could deliver the “Way” of Jesus to anyone who listened.

Traveling across the border into Indiana, Richard took on the yoke of full-time pastor at Wallace Church. He volunteered his time, his gifts, and his heart to those in need without hesitation. With the help of his best friend, Garland Cole, Richard with the help of achieved something remarkable: he brought the Christian message into China, helping to establish an active, present-day Christian church in Nanjing, the former capital, even under a Communist government that often resisted such efforts.

He knew Scripture well and rejoiced when meeting another follower of Christ. He loved to tinker, to eat, and to share the Good News. He loved the cross. He knew no stranger and made friends among Christian leaders, neighbors, and believers everywhere he went.

He loved to keep busy. Growing up, one of his favorite pastimes was playing fast pitch softball, a sport he enjoyed throughout his youth and carried fond memories of all his life. Later, as a grandfather and great-grandfather, Richard took great pride in attending his great-grandchildren’s school events and activities, never wanting to miss a concert, a ball game, or a graduation. He was their biggest supporter, cheering them on from the audience or the sidelines with a smile full of pride. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren as well, whether it was sharing meals, telling stories, or simply enjoying each other’s company. To his family, he was not just a presence but a constant source of encouragement and love, making each child and grandchild feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Though modest and eager to share his understanding of Christ, Richard also faced the same struggles we all do—battling pride and judgment within his own family. But he was a warrior of peace and goodwill, always looking for the fruit of the Holy Spirit in his life, his family’s lives, and his neighbors’. He hoped for the best in everyone, even when reality disappointed.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edna (September 23, 2014), two of his children, Jeannie Mussato and David Wright, his brother, Gene Wright, and his grandson, Anthony Bendekovich. He is survived by his children Peter Wright, Rita Bendekovich, Karen Wright, and Terrie Sanders; his sister, Beverly Helms; his brother, Kenny Wright; his grandchildren Heather Burden, Kyle (Cassie) Wright, Korena Schefke, Errol Mussatto, and Ashley Lewis; his beloved nieces and nephews; and many great-grandchildren.

Among his great-grandchildren, Richard shared an especially close relationship with Darian, Grace, and Emily Goembel; Caleb and Kinsey Evans; and Tori-Kaye Wright. He also treasured his two bonus great-grandchildren, Erin Abdulsalam and Mandi O’Toole. Each of them brought him great joy, and he took pride in being present for their lives, their accomplishments, and their growth.

The specks and beams within our own lives are challenges we all face, moment to moment, day to day—especially when we try to follow the Light. In Richard’s pursuit of that Light, he carried it to the far reaches of China. And in the end, the Lord took Richard with Him into the Light.

Services will be held at The Church of Christ in Ridge Farm, IL. with burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Date and time for services will be updated when arrangements are final. Flowers or memorial contributions may be sent to the church once arrangements are finalized. 

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