Pastor Georgeh. Wright

George Henry Wright, 82 pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Junction City, Kansas, went home to be with his Lord, Sunday January 16, 2011 peacefully at his home in Junction City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Byars officiating, burial will follow at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 20, 2011, 6-8 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Church. Pastor Wright passed away at his residence on January 16, 2011. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be given to the Queijas Church in Portugal, c/o Calvary Baptist Church, 405 W. 8th Street, Junction City, KS 66441.

Born August 12, 1928, in Wichita, Kansas, he was the son of Howard Wright and Cleo (Sunderland) Wright. George was united in marriage to Madge May Greenfield on September 3, 1949 in Wichita, Kansas. The couple was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas where he served in the U.S. Army. While in the Army Reserves, he began his career with Kress' Department Store in Wichita, Kansas. Later he accepted a position at TG&Y in Guymon, Oklahoma where he was manager for five years. Answering the Lord's call to full-time service, he left Oklahoma to pastor in Ness City, KS and later in Lovington, NM. Moving to Junction City, KS in 1972; he served as pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church for the past 38 years.

He is survived by his wife, Madge of the home; his sons Gary Wright and wife Sheila of Junction City, KS; Jerry Wright and wife Nita of Chapman, KS; Mark Wright of Dennis, KS; his daughters, Carol Martin and husband Lionel of Queijas, Portugal; and Melinda Thompson and husband Rodney of Moore, OK; and daughter-in-law, Paulette Wright of Walsh, CO. Survivors also include 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Frank Wright; sister, Betty Sue Boucher; and sons George Henry Jr. "Spike" and Norman Wright.

In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball and coaching his sons. Upon his "retirement" from baseball, he continued his love of sports by watching his many grandchildren in the sport of their choice. While pastoring in Junction City, he was appointed a mission representative for the fields of New Guinea, and also Spain and Portugal. He and Madge enjoyed many trips to Portugal while visiting their missionary daughter and family. His ministry continues beyond Junction City, through the lives he has touched. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly.