John Morris Wright, Sr.

John Morris Wright, age 93, died July 1, 2017 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. He was born to CJ Wright and Dema (Waldron) Wright on December 15, 1923 in Bentonville. John received his schooling in the Bentonville school system, graduating in 1941. John proudly served during World War II with the United States Navy, being honorably discharged December 17, 1945. Upon leaving the Navy, John became a policeman with the Napa Valley, California police department, before moving to Oklahoma. John married Lela Mae Swain on October 24, 1948 and their marriage continued for the next 69 years until her death. In Oklahoma, John worked many years with the Hoover Van company, many of those years as their top salesman. He then opened Jimmy's Cafe' in downtown Bentonville as its owner-operator. After another stint with Hoover Van, John opened the Arkansas Ice Machine and Supply Company in Bentonville, until his retirement. John was a charter member of the Methodist Men Bentonville in 1954. He was a member of American Legion Post #77 for 22 years. The family would like to give special thanks to the doctors and staff at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville for their loving care of Dad, and also to the Men's Coffee Group at McDonald's for the years of good times. Dad loved every minute of it. John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brother, CJ Wright, Jr.; and his oldest son, John M. Wright, Jr. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 6 at Callison-Lough Funeral Home in Bentonville. A graveside service will follow at 12 noon in Bentonville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Circle of Life Hospice or the Bentonville First United Methodist Church Building Fund.