William Wesley Bright passed away peacefully on January 17, 2020 . He was 98 years old. He was born in Foster on June 20, 1921 to John and Lelah (James) Bright. He graduated from Nyhart school in 8th grade in a one room school house. After graduating he started working cutting wood many other jobs and a mechanic for Wesley Conner in Amoret, Mo. In 1963 he bought the family farm where he resided the last 56 Years. William spent his life farming, raising cattle and pigs.
He retired from farming in 1979 however he had a full herd of cattle until August 2018. He was an avid Gardner, hunter, fisherman and could fix anything that was broken. He will be remembered for his kindness and compassion. His kids and grandkids all knew when he hollered they better be running. But he would be the first to help out in the kitchen to get strawberries mashed and make sure they have enough sugar.
William married Vivian Vail on January 29, 1947 in Fort Scott at the courthouse. To this marriage was born 8 children, 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
He is survived by his siblings Jack (Verna) Bright and Goldie Schnichels, 2 sister in laws, Fern Brashear and Joan Stinnette, 8 children Janet (Jim) O’Brien, Roy (Kim) Bright, Gene (Carol) Bright, Charles (Denese) Bright, Mary (Bob) Casey, Dale Bright, Pam (Marty) Carroll, and Jeannie Kerr. 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his siblings Lula, Bonnie and Connie , a grandson Eric O’Brien, and a great grandson Tyler.
Funeral service will be 11 am Wednesday January 22, 2020 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Burial will be in the Woodfin Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Tuesday at the Schneider Chapel. Contributions are suggested to Good Shepherd Hospice or Woodfin Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
