Bud Wright

S. Warren "Bud" Wright passed away peacefully on October 25, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. Our "Poppy" was born February 19, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Warren E. and Hazel S. Wright. He was the second of three children and the only son.

Shortly after his birth his parents moved to Idaho Falls where his father established Wright Oil and Tire Company in 1937 which business continued for over 60 years until sold.

Growing up in Idaho Falls, he had love poured out upon him by his parents and sisters Verna Lee and Carol despite his teasing and practical jokes. He started working for his father in the family business at a very young age and enjoyed working long and hard hours. He was a very successful businessman, not only with the company which he eventually bought from his father but also many other business ventures around the area.

Most importantly, his priorities were his faith in God, his love for his family and his love for others. He was a true lover of people and cared deeply that those around him were well and cared for. He was generous with his wealth, donating thousands over the years to his favorite charities and helping those around him and was the founder of the Idaho Board of American Indian Services. This charity has raised over $1 million dollars for the education of Native Americans.

He was a faithful member of the LDS Church and served in various leadership callings over the years including Bishop of the Idaho Falls Stake 21st Ward. He served a mission to Mexico from 1951 to 1953. Upon returning home he joined his father once again in business. He married the love of his life and partner in all things Jolene Mason Wright, on November 13, 1957 which started a love affair with an extraordinary synergy of talents, intelligence, devotion and faith that lasted until he took his final breath.

They raised a family of 4 boys, Brett, Hal, Allan, and Kris Wright and a special and dear to his heart, daughter, Wendy. He was determined to teach his children the values of faith in God, serving others and the value of hard work and education. This he did along with his eternal partner. He never stopped teaching and setting a tremendous example of what a disciple of Christ could be. More than anything he wanted people to share in the joy of the gospel that had so blessed his life over the years. In that effort, he befriended and taught the gospel as his personal ministry his entire life. The temple was the "symbol of his membership" in the LDS Church. He and mom's example of regular temple worship inspired not only his family but those around him as well.

He is survived by his wife Jolene, and their children Brett (Barbara), Hal (Laurie), Allan (Trisha), Kris (Rochelle) and Wendy (Marc) Conner as well as 23 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and sister Carol and brother-in-law Bart Withers of Portland Oregon.

The family wishes to express love and appreciation for Home Helpers, especially DeeDee and Taylor and Encompass Hospice. In addition, we are grateful for the extraordinary care and friendship of Dr. Alan Avondet for his decades of skilled medical care of Dad.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the Idaho Falls LDS Castlerock Ward (260 Castlerock Lane) with Bishop Hicks officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6 to 7: 30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and on Saturday from 11-11:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to American Indian Services, 1902 North Canyon Road, Suite 100, Provo, Utah 84604 and the Idaho Falls Humanitarian Center, 1415 Northgate Mile, Idaho Falls, ID 83401.

Funeral services will be held