Keith Wright

Keith Francis Wright was born on July 18, 1936 to John Francis Wright and Mary Elizabeth Flack in Jefferson. He entered the presence of Jesus on Feb. 10, 2023. 

Keith graduated in 1954 from Churdan High School. He worked for Hoyle Oil until he was drafted into the Army in July of 1959 and was sent to Fort Hood, Texas. From there he was sent to Fort Eustis, Virginia where he met and married Rhetta Ann Phelps the day after being discharged, July 15, 1961.

 After returning to Churdan with his bride, he went back to work for Hoyle Oil and held many jobs before deciding to buy the local welding shop in September of 1972. He had no previous welding experience but learned much from the farmers who needed his help and soon became an expert in his field. He ran Wright’s Welding until his retirement in March 1999.

Keith began his personal relationship with Jesus at a young age and lived out his faith at work, home, church, and the community. He let the light of Jesus shine through everything he did. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Churdan and was always willing to volunteer his time and talents. He loved to serve others and did that through the church and other endeavors such as Meals On Wheels, Food Pantry, taking friends to doctor appointments, and many others. Keith never knew a stranger. He could often be found making new friends as he waited in the mall while Rhetta and the girls shopped. He loved his family greatly and invested many hours in playing with and teaching his grandkids. He had a great sense of humor, but the twinkle in his eye would give him away when he was pulling your leg.

Keith was preceded in death by his mother Mary Wright, in-laws Lonnie Phelps, Jr. and Helen Phelps brother, Rex Wright, and sister Rhea Wright, sister-in-law Norma Wright, niece Gloria Russell and nephew Tommy Wright, and two great granddaughters, Miriam Lois Gibson and Addison Rose Henriksen.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife Rhetta Wright, his daughters, Deborah (Dan) Kubish, Terresa (Brian) Remiger and Casandra (Tim) Henriksen, 13 grandchildren, Nate (Juli) Kubish, Sarah (Jesse) Mahannah, Clark (Cayla) Remiger, Jared (Stephanie) Remiger, Philip (Christina) Kubish, Tim (Michaela) Henriksen, Grace (Jonah) Gibson, Erin Henriksen, Danny (Makayla) Kubish, Josh (Laura) Henriksen, Emily (Mitch) Keady, Hannah Henriksen, and Sarah Henriksen; 21 great grandchildren plus one due in June, his half-brother, Ronald Wright, his brother-in-law Tom (Patti) Phelps and a niece Kathy (Jesse) Timmons.

Visitation will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 at First Baptist Church in Churdan. A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17. The family will be present to greet guests at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First Baptist Church, Congregate Meal Site, Greene County Food Pantry, or a charity of your choice.

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Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161