January 20, 2020

William Wesley Bright

06-20-1921 to 01-17-2020

Linn County News

Published Jan. 22, 2020

William Wesley Bright passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. He was 98 years old. He was born in Foster, Mo., on June 20, 1921, to John and Lelah (James) Bright.

He graduated from Nyhart school in eighth grade in a one-room school house. After graduating he started working cutting wood and many other jobs and as a mechanic for Wesley Conner in Amoret, Mo.

In 1963 he bought the family farm where he resided the last 56 years. William spent his life farming, raising cattle and pigs. He retired from farming in 1979; however, he had a full herd of cattle until August 2018. He was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman and could fix anything that was broken.

He will be remembered for his kindness and compassion. His kids and grandkids all knew when he hollered, they had better be running. But he would be the first to help out in the kitchen to get strawberries mashed and make sure they had enough sugar.

William married Vivian Vail on Jan. 29, 1947, in Fort Scott at the courthouse. To this marriage were born eight children, 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren.

He is survived by his siblings, Jack (Verna) Bright and Goldie Schnichels; eight children, Janet (Jim) O’Brien, Roy (Kim) Bright, Gene (Carol) Bright, Charles (Denese) Bright, Mary (Bob) Casey, Dale Bright, Pam (Marty) Carroll and Jeannie Kerr; 15 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and three great, great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Lula, Bonnie and Connie; a grandson, Eric O’Brien; and a great grandson, Tyler.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 22, 2020, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Woodfin Cemetery. Visitation was scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Schneider Chapel.

Contributions are suggested to Good Sheppard Hospice. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.