Earl Kennett Wright, Jr.

Earl Kennett Wright Jr., age 83, of Madison, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Norton King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison. He was the son of the late Earl Kennett Wright Sr. and Frances Marie Scheidemantle, and was born on June 3, 1942, in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Earl graduated from Gerstmeyer High School in 1960. He attended Indiana State University from 1960 to 1963, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Purdue University in 1966.

On January 10, 1967, Earl was drafted into the United States Army, serving his country during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on January 9, 1973. He worked as a pharmacist at Hook's Drug Store and at Madison State Hospital for many years.

Earl was a proud member of the Madison VFW Post 1969, the Major Samuel Woodfill Post #9 of the American Legion, and the Madison Moose Lodge #765. He was an avid supporter of Purdue University and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, fishing, studying American Indian history, watching college football, and telling stories to family and friends. He especially cherished visits to the VFW, American Legion, and Moose Lodge, and he loved pull-tab games, cold beer (with a glass of ice), 'setting traps' and lots of laughter.

Earl is survived by his children: Nicholas Wright and his wife, Amy, of Fishers, Indiana; Chante and her husband, Jaja Jackson, of Camas, Washington; Kathryn and her husband, Christopher Beck, of West Lafayette, Indiana; and Ryan Wright and his wife, Qingsi Wu Wright, of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also survived by his sisters, Earlene Olson and Sharon Brand; his brothers, James Wright, Mark Wright, and Richard Wright; his grandchildren, Weston and Harrison Wright, Brian Robertson, Isis Thomas-Hill, Phoebe Beck, and Sebastian Wright; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Graveside services will be conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and the Major Samuel Woodfill Post #9, American Legion, at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1415 North Gate Road, Madison, Indiana, with interment to follow. Friends and family may gather at the chapel beginning at 12:00 PM (noon) until the time of service.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60601. Contributions may be made at the Lytle Welty Funeral Home or below.

Lytle Welty Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Vail Chapel is in charge of arrangements.