John Wright, 96, of Oran died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee, Mo. He was born Dec. 29, 1915, to Mack and Ethel Henley Wright in Oran in their home. He was a carpenter by trade, owning his construction company at first with Duke Robison of Oran, and then J.M. Wilkerson of Bell City, Mo. Many of the three bedroom brick ranch-style homes seen in the Oran-Bell City area were built by him. He was known for his finished carpentry in cabinets. Many would bring him pictures of what they wanted and he would make them. He was very much a perfectionist in his trade. People always commented about his "whistling while he worked;" they loved hearing him whistle. He was married Sept. 23, 1940, to Cressie Hartle. She preceded him in death Oct. 17, 1996. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Glenda Hartle Shy and Jerry Shy of Sikeston, Mo; a daughter, Sharron Wright Lathum of Cape Girardeau; three grandsons, Mark (Pam) Shy of Las Vegas, Garry (Dana) Lathum of Jackson and Gregry (Cynthia) Lathum of Scott City; seven grandchildren, Patrick Thomas Shy of Las Vegas, Carl Gary Lathum III, Lyla Lathum and Matthew Lathum, all of Jackson, Aimee, Bailee and Trenton Lathum, all of Scott City. He is also survived by two sisters, Helen Harris of Chaffee and Lila Brannock of Sikeston; two nephews, Wesley (Barbara) Harris and Glenn Harris, both of Oran. Friends may call at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Amick Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donnie Ford officiating.
