Obituary of Earl Ben Wright

Earl B Wright Jr, "Butch", passed from this life May 25, 2016 at age 59. Born June 7, 1956 at Independence, KS, to Earl B and Maxine (Clarkson Savage) Wright, he grew up in Coffeyville and attended local schools, graduating from Coffeyville Community College. An avid and accomplished musician, he played drums in local bands for decades. He loved playing and the people who shared that passion. As a Christian, he loved his neighbors, wherever and whoever they were. Earl married Cathy Burkhart on May 25, 1987, and they had two sons, Ben, who inherited the drummer gene, and Griffin, who has his father's aptitude for technology. Both carry on his intelligence and wit. Over the years, Earl worked at several places, including KOPCO, AMAZON and at the time of his death, Cessna. For several years, he operated a business wiring for phones and media installation. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Maxine Wright; his grandparents, Ben and Tressa Wright, and J Goul and Elsie Terry; one niece, Becky Savage; and close friend, Dr. Wm Fagerberg, all of Coffeyville. He was also preceded by several close cousins, and two aunts and uncles. Left to honor his memory are his two sons, Earl Ben Wright III of Coffeyville, and Griffin V Wright of Broken Arrow, OK, their mother, Cathy Wright also of Broken Arrow, one brother, Fred E Savage of Ottawa, KS, three nieces and one nephew, one aunt and uncle, many cousins, lots of great-nieces/nephews who adore their "Uncle Butch" and many, many friends. Besides his interest in music, technology, history, and world events, Earl loved people and had a passion for saving pieces of the past, which led him to frequent auctions, collecting vintage items and to keep old cars running well beyond their normal lifespan. Less was more. Earl left a small carbon footprint, but huge shoes to fill. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Patio, Fairview Cemetery, Coffeyville, Kansas under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home.