David H Wright

On Monday, May 14, 2018, David H. Wright was called home.

He was born August 5, 1935, in Wyandotte, Oklahoma to Hugh and Jewel Wright. After his parents' separation and subsequent divorce, he alternated between Los Angeles and Oklahoma ending up in Wynnewood, OK for his high school years where he was very active in sports and school culture. After high school, he enlisted in the army and served in the Panama Canal Zone before being accepted for officers training. This career direction was derailed by lead poisoning (caused by a nail sticking out on his bunk, of all things) resulting in a months stay in the infirmary and the loss of 40 pounds. All his children knew the story as he carried the scar on his back, prompting curiosity.

David took a medical discharge and decided to go to college, thanks to the G.I. Bill and support for Native Americans. He enrolled at The University of Southern California, joined the football team (3rd string, he would add) and graduated with a degree in finance in 1963, because despite his love of history, he had a practical mindset. Post-college, he would make banking his career with history & politics life long interests and USC sports teams his #1 favorites.

In 1964, David met the love of his life, Patricia, while working at the same bank. They began dating in January 1965, and were married 3 weeks after their first date, on February 5, 1965. Their first child was born 2 years later, followed by several more, most of whom were adopted in-country and internationally because of David's and Patricia's heart for children.

David's job moved his growing family from Southern California up to the Seattle area in 1973, where they remained for over a dozen years. Job changes moved the family subsequently to Denver, CO and Scottsdale, AZ before returning them to the Pacific Northwest in 1992. David would retire from his banking career in 1997 and pursue the "perfect" N-gauge train layout as well as home gardening.

In 2012, David and Patricia moved back to Southern California where David could indulge in his love of gardening, especially roses. He was a common sight in the neighborhood, walking his beloved dogs, Rico and Lola. If anyone else walked them, a neighbor would inevitably ask after him and his health. It would be while working in his garden, that David would be called home.

Although David was diagnosed with coronary heart disease and multiple myeloma, he refused to let illness define him. He stubbornly held on to every task and chore he could. He was proud of his citizenship in the Wyandotte Nation, and of his roots in Oklahoma. He relied on his faith all his life and spent time every day in Bible study and prayer. He couldn't imagine life without faith and integrity and now both are complete in him.

David was predeceased by his parents, step parents, younger half-brother, younger half-sister and niece. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia of California, children: Rebecca of California, Sara of Colorado, Patrick (Wendy) of Washington, Kerri of Arizona, Jason (Otok) of Washington, Michael (Sheila) of Texas and Jonathan of Washington and grandchildren: Tyler, Dylan, Michael, Shinae and Tabitha (all who called him "Poppy" - a name he preferred above all others) as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will all miss him.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, with internment to immediately follow.