Donald Ray Wright, known by most as Don, by his favorite people as Grandad, and by an elite few as a member of the Old Dudes fishing duo, passed from this life on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Don was born on January 11, 1940 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He was married to the love of his life, Lucy Wright, for 65 wonderful years. From hunting rattlers in Texas to serving his country proudly in the Air Force to chasing big game in Colorado, Don embraced life as a true adventure.
Don’s second love in life was his time spent on the water-pole in hand, line baited, waiting for the next big one to bite. Fishing every hole of water and river around, he loved being on the water more than on the land. In his later years, he teamed up with Clarence McConnell to form the ‘Old Dudes’. Together, they won tournaments, told tall tales, and created memories that will spark laughter for years to come. Every morning, they gathered at their reserved table at Fred’s Country Cookin’, where the coffee flowed and the fish grew longer.
Not only was Don an avid fisherman, but he also spent many days during deer season in pursuit of the next big buck. At deer camp, he claimed a sleeping spot in the back of the cook shack. After the evening meal, nightly card games, and talk of the day’s hunt, he’d shoo everyone out so he could get a good night’s sleep-well away from the camp snorers. Don continued hunting throughout his life, though his methods grew a bit more comfortable over the years. His self-built cabin, complete with sliding windows and a warm heater, ensured he stayed toasty while waiting for the next trophy to appear.
Don was also a gifted and humble craftsman and artist. Whether working with wood or paint, his creations reflected his care and creativity. Need a table, a shelf, or a bench? Don would craft a beautiful, lasting piece. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren received a hand-painted, handcrafted, Disney-themed toy box-treasures that will be cherished for generations. If Lucy wanted a new painting of a chicken, Don painted her two. Though his family encouraged him to share his art with the world, he created only for those he loved.
Don is preceded in death by his father, Roland Wright, and his parents, Othel and Eunice Ledgerwood; his wife, Lou Ella Wright; and his grandchildren, Aaron and Lisa. Don is survived by his three children and their spouses, Steve Wright and wife Sherri, Donna Duncan and husband Eugene, and Chuck Wright and wife Becky; his grandchildren, Chris Wright and Candace, Amy Slater and Keith, Travis Bottoms, and Tyler Wright; his great-grandchildren, Tristian, Pierse, Atticus, Olivia, and Remington; his sister-in-law, Treva Harberson and Tommy; his brother-in-law, Bill Slagle and Pat; along with a host of family and friends.
In honor of Don’s memory, a celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 on November 10, 2025, at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, with his granddaughter, Amy Slater officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Chant Cemetery or of Gideon Bibles in his memory.
