Normal, Illinois - Richard Lincoln Wright, 93, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8:01pm at his home. He was born at home in Shelbyville, Illinois on September 2, 1932, to James Walter Wright and Miriam Gepford Wright.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary Louise, two daughters, Kathleen (Len) Stevens, Normal, and Patricia Moore, Rankin, IL, one stepdaughter, Wendy (Michael) Drop, Normal, 9 grandchildren, one step grandchild and 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. He was pre-deceased by 1 son, Norman and 1 great grandchild.

Dick graduated from Shelbyville Community High School and from the University of Illinois, Urbana, with a degree in broadcast journalism. He served in the U.S. Army on the staff of the Adjutant General's School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana.

While in school and in the service, he worked at the Shelbyville Democrat-News and at radio stations in Mattoon and Urbana, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana. After graduation he joined WCIA television in Champaign. He headed the news department in 1960 when he left to become Director of Radio and Television Services for the Illinois Agricultural Association in Bloomington. During 32 years with IAA he also served as Director of Information Services, Assistant to the President and Executive Director of Personnel and Planning.

In volunteer work, he was treasurer of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association, president of the Town of Normal Fire and Police Commission, president of the Board of Westminster Village retirement community and president of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. He served as deacon and elder at Four Seasons Church of Christ in Bloomington, and elder at College Park Christian Church in Normal. After retirement he chaired a planning project for the Town of Normal. He was listed in Who's Who in the Midwest.

Mary Lou and Dick traveled extensively, visiting all fifty states as well as Japan, Nova Scotia, the British Isles, Europe, Morocco and Kenya. Dick enjoyed Fishing and spending time in Southern Illinois with family, friends and his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5-7pm at College Park Christian Church, Normal. Service will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10am at the church with Pastor Nolan Thomas officiating. Following the service there will be a luncheon held at the church with a burial held at Wright Cemetery, Moultrie County, IL at 3pm.

The family suggests memorials to be made to College Park Christian Church.

Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.