Joe “Grey Eagle” WrightBARGERSVILLE, IN
Joe ‘Grey Eagle’ Wright, MSgt USAR (Ret), 86 of Bargersville, Indiana went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2020. He was born January 8, 1934 in Blue Diamond, Kentucky. He married the love of his life, Linda S. (Chandler) Wright on July 25, 1964 at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Nabb, Indiana. He met his beloved Linda on a blind date and spent 56 wonderful years together. Joe was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean War from 1950-1954 and served in the United States Army Reserves until his retirement in 1994. Joe received his undergraduate degree in Business from Berea College in Kentucky. As part of his work study program, Joe was a lumbar jack in Missoula Montana and eventually became a Smokejumper. Earning his jump wings, he made over 50 jumps putting out forest fires in the upper Northwest. During his time in the Northwest he befriended the Nez Perce, spending time with the Nimiipuu on the reservation he became an ‘honorary member’. After graduation, Joe earned his teaching certificate and taught 6th grade English at Peru and coached basketball. Joe also taught at Indianapolis PS 16. Joe went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Indiana University. He was a consultant for the Indiana Department of Public Instruction where he wrote and implemented programs such as Outdoor Education, Aerospace and NASA space camp for students across Indiana. He actively facilitated outdoor education workshops with teachers and students. Besides military honors, Joe is a recipient of the prestigious Indiana State Governor’s Sagamore of the Wabash award, Kentucky Colonel bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Distinguished Service Medal awarded by the Daughters of the American Revolution for his commitment and sacrifice to his country, state, and years of military service. Joe’s heritage includes connections with East Band Cherokee Nation. Joe started Native American Workshops in elementary schools across Indiana. Because of his commitment on educating youth, Joe became an honorary member of the Potawatomi people and was celebrated by elders who presented Joe with a drum symbolizing his dedication to preservation of Native American culture. Joe continued to do workshops in schools until he was 84 when he retired the programs. Survivors include his wife Linda S. (Chandler) Wright of Bargersville, IN, his daughter Jennifer Wright Bargersville, IN and grandchildren Emily and Owen Assenmacher both of Bargersville, IN, his brother Fred Wright of California and sister Carmen Van Duren of Jeffersonville, IN. Joe is preceded in death by his father Alex Wright, his mother Myrtle Johnson, his brothers Don Wright and Saul Wright and step-father Harry Johnson. Joe loved his family, he was very close to his mother-in-law Norma Cheatham, his sisters-in-law Jeannette Wright and Carol Chandler and Linda’s brother Alan Chandler. Joe is remembered by his many nieces and nephews who he greatly loved. Joe was a devoted and caring husband, father and grandfather and loved his family dearly. He had a passion for life and he lived each day as a gift; he loved adventure and traveled the world. He cherished the outdoors, hiking over 300 miles of the Appalachian trail. An avid runner, Joe represented the Air Force track team. He continued running and exercise throughout his life. He competed in triathlons, biathlons, running half and full marathons. He would spend one week each summer bicycling over 500 miles with Army buddies. Joe was a published author of books, poems and a songwriter. He was a mentor and friend to many and never knew a stranger. Joe was a brave man, a true hero. He was loyal, kind, giving and will be greatly missed. Until our paths cross again, fly high Grey Eagle.
Due to COVID-19 Mandates, a private family service will be live-streamed on Wednesday December 9, 2020 at 10:30 A.M. at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/joe-wright. Please use Firefox Internet or Google Chrome for optimal viewing. A public visitation will take place on Tuesday December 8, 2020 from 5PM until 8PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN. Strict guidelines of 50 people or less at one time will be required, along with facial coverings or mask to be worn by those attending. The family request those who are attending make their visit brief so everyone can be accommodated. A family graveside service will follow on Wednesday at Crown Hill Cemetery in New Washington, IN with military honors. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202. In lieu of flowers, please leave a card or note with your fondest memory with Joe.
