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Stephen R. Wright, 81, of Neoga Illinois passed away peacefully at Sarah Bush Lincoln Willow Breeze Hospice House on June 22, 2024.
Steve was born in Tuscola, IL, on October 11th, 1942 to Stephen and Geneva “Dutch” Wright. Steve graduated from Oakland High School, Class of 1960.
Steve put his family first and his friends, almost equal, second. Steve and his wife Christie enjoyed 40 wonderful years together. Both family and friends describe him as a good man and great friend, living with generosity and humility.
Throughout his life, Steve had a lifelong affection for cars, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, and anything with a motor. Following his honorable service in the U.S. Navy, he pursued and completed his engineering degree at Southern Illinois University. This laid the foundation for his successful career as the founder and owner of Colcon Corporation in Sullivan, IL. Steve took great pride in the team he put together at his company Colcon, which built many Walmart stores, a testament to his dedication and skill in the industry. Steve loved music and was an avid fan of Jimmy Buffet, teaching himself to play guitar along the way. Always eager for new challenges, he later obtained his pilot’s license and found joy in flying.
Steve loved cars. He enjoyed working on his cars and motorcycles with the boys and many of his good friends helping, especially his beloved 1955-1957 Ford Thunderbirds.
Steve cherished his role as a “girl dad” and spent several memorable years coaching his daughter Lexie in the Decatur Blaze girls softball team during the 1990s.
Steve is survived by his wife, Christie; his daughter Lexie Wright and her daughter Eli of Durham, NC; sons Travis (Cathy) Burich and their children Austin and Lola of Mt. Zion IL; Tyler (Hannah) Burich and their children Braelyn, Lawson, and Hadlyn of Mattoon, IL.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, June27th at 1:00pm at the Oakland Cemetery, Oakland IL with military honors. A remembrance gathering will be held at one of his favorite restaurants where he used to gather with friends Thursday, June 27th from 4-6pm at the Alamo in Mattoon, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp New Hope in Neoga, IL and/or St. John’s Lutheran School in Mattoon, IL.
To plant a tree in memory of Stephen R. Wright, visit the Tribute Store.
27
Jun
N Cemetery Road
Oakland, IL 61943
27
Jun
700 Broadway Ave E
Mattoon, IL 61938
N Cemetery Road
Oakland, IL 61943
Krabel Funeral Home & Cremation Service
215 E. Main St., Oakland, IL 61943 • Phone: (217) 346-2121
602 E. Madison Ave., Chrisman, IL 61924 • Phone: (217) 269-2392
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