Russell "Gene" Wright

Cayuga, Ind. - Russell "Gene" Wright, 84, of Cayuga, passed away at 8:55 p.m. EST Monday, December 2, 2013 at his residence. Gene was born September 9, 1929 in Vermilion, Illinois, the son of the late Russell Sherman and Frances Margie Vaughn Wright. He married Janine M. Turner on December 7, 1951 in Terre Haute, Indiana. She preceded him in death on February 7, 2013. Survivors include three daughters, Margie(Tim)Faircloth of Pendleton, Indiana; Teresa(Rev. Don)Morgan of Cayuga, Indiana and Susan Powell of Charlestown, Indiana; one son, Michael Gene(Cheryl)Wright of Indianapolis, Indiana; 13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; one sister, Beverly(Ron)Helms of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; two brothers, Richard(Edna)Wright of Ridge Farm, Illinois and Kenneth(Judie)Wright of St. Bernice, Indiana; several nieces and nephews, and specail friend, Dorie Delp of Cayuga, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michele "Mitzi" Wright. Gene retired from Public Service Indiana in 1992, working as a lineman for 42 years. He was a Korean War veteran serving with the United States Army. Gene's memberships included the Cayuga Christian Church (55 years), and the Cayuga American Legion Post 263. He was a former member of the Cayuga Lions Club and I.B.E.W. Gene was a 1947 graduate of Clinton High School. He enjoyed reading, working on computers, watching Chicago Cubs baseball and Chicago Bears football. Gene was a big fan of the University of Illinois. He enjoyed spending time with his dogs, Rocky; Boomer and Buffy. Gene especially loved teasing his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services: 11 a.m. EST Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Cayuga Christian Church; Officiating: Keith Warner; Burial: Thomas Cemetery in Newport, Indiana with military rites by the Cayuga American Legion Post 263; Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. EST Friday, December 6, 2013 at DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga, Indiana, and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church. Contributions may be made to the donor's favorite charity.