Charles Wright

Charles (Ed) Wright peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 27, 2009 at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Indiana.

Born July 4, 1931 on the family farm in Gaston, Indiana, he is the son of the late Howard V. and Theresa (Janney) Wright. Ed married Marianne Hagenow 54 years ago on April 9, 1955 in La Porte, Indiana.

Ed graduated from Gaston High School, served in the Armed Forces in Korea, and attended Farm School after the military term. Ed’s passion was farming and was committed to “leaving the ground better than he found it.” He farmed and lived all his life near the Gaston location where he was born. During his farming career, Ed was a seedsman, establishing Wrights’ Seed Farm with his late brother, Harold, and was active in the Indiana Crop Improvement Association; he grew tomatoes with his son, Howard, for many years and was known for achieving outstanding yields and quality product. During that time he was a member of the Indiana Fruit Growers Association and Indiana Food Processors Association and was a participant in numerous test plots and group presentations.

Called “Digger” by his children and grandchildren, Ed was conscientious about ditching and drainage, and served on the Delaware County Soil Conservation Board for several terms. His abilities with heavy equipment were passed on to his grandchildren, especially deceased grandson, Bryan, who was an adept operator in his own occupation.

Ed was proud to be a private pilot; and was a member of Indiana Flying Farmers for many years and enjoyed serving on the Delaware County Airport Authority Board. He enjoyed flying for pleasure, often taking his family and friends rides locally. During harvest and planting seasons, he flew for repair parts to facilitate getting back in the field. Ed was a 50 year member of the Matthews Masonic Lodge #650 and served as Master of the Lodge. He was also a member of Eastern Star and the Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite. He attended Prairie Grove Church and Living Hope Christian Church. He was proud of the ground his ancestors deeded to Prairie Grove Church many years ago.

He is survived by his wife Marianne and his three children; Mary and husband Mike Bookout and grandchildren Brad Richards, Ashley Bullock and fiancé, Jon McCutchen, Jennifer Richards and great granddaughter Natalie Richards; Bonnie and husband David Besser and grandchildren Joshua Besser and Jacob Besser and his fiancé, Karin Rathbun and great grandson Logan; Howard and wife Lisa Wright and grandchildren Charles Wright, Matthew Wright and fiancé, Sammy and great grandson, Elijah, Jodi and husband, Chris Tomlinson and great grandchildren Megan and Paige Tomlinson; a sister, Norette Barnett; sister-in-law: Jean Holmes and husband Keith. Uncle Ed was very special to his 14 nieces and nephews Vicki, Ann, Kay, Janet, Janice, Claudia, Gary, Cheri, David, Randy, Allen, Brad, Jennifer, Bill and their spouses.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Living Hope Christian Church, 14300 N. Co. Rd. 900 W., Gaston IN 47342 with Pastor Brandon Petro officiating. Burial will follow in Thompson Cemetery near Gaston. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at Living Hope Christian Church and one hour prior to the service at the church Thursday. Memorial contributions may be given to the Living Hope Christian Church with envelopes available at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle which may be reached at (765) 529-7100. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com .