Jerry R. Wright, 78, of Hazleton passed away on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at Gibson General Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility in Princeton.

He was born on Oct. 15, 1932 in Princeton to Charles Edward and Ruth Gladys (Hart) Wright. 

He lived in Hazleton since 1967 coming from Princeton. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  He was a member of the Bethel Memorial Church in Princeton.  He retired in 1994 from the Evansville Courier after 30 years as a typesetter. Prior to working at Evansville Courier, he also worked at Princeton Daily Clarion and the Vincennes Sun Commercial. 

He was a member of the Fort Branch VFW Post 2714, Columbia Lodge 450 F.& A.M. Patoka.  He was an avid gardener, walker, and enjoyed his river camp, fishing and his dogs.  He also enjoyed spending time with friends, family and church activities, spending Sunday afternoons with his brother, Ted.

 He is survived by his children, David (Sherry) Wright of Norris City, Ill., Jane Ann (Gary) Richardson of Hazleton, Beth (Eric) Knapp of Princeton, John (Mendy) Wright of Winslow; six grandchildren, Stacey Michelle Preston, Daniel Scott Richardson, Brianna Nicole Wright, Hayden Opal Wright, Calli Renee Wright and Kaleigh Henn; three step-grandchildren, Natalie, Dalton and Tristan Sharp; five great grandchildren, Addison, Savannah, Noah, Spencer and Alexis; two brothers, Charles E. (Norma) Wright of Frankfort, Ted (Pauline) Wright of Princeton; and two sisters, Joyce (Robert) Smith of Princeton and Doris (Robert) Fromm of Mt. Carmel, Ill.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia P. “Ginny” Wright in 2003; and two brothers, Robert and Jimmy Wright.

 Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2011 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with Pastor Kyle Powell officiating. Burial will be at the Shiloh Cemetery in Hazleton. Military graveside services will take place at the cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.