WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
DeForest J. (Shorty) Wright, age 88, of Colon, passed away Monday, Oct. 25, 2010, at the home of his daughter Christine in Marshall.
Shorty was born Oct. 29, 1921, in Coldwater, a son of the late Peter and Hazel (Melser) Wright.
On July 15, 1945, he married Shirley Sanford in Coldwater. She preceded him in death July 7, 1992.
Shorty had lived in the Colon for many years and had been a self-employed heavy-equipment operator.
Shorty had served in the U.S. Navy on the Destroyer USS Walke during Word War II.
He was a member of the Colon American Legion Post #454, life member of the VFW Post # 6819, life member of the DAV Michigan Chapter #88, member of American Aircraft and Pilot Association, International Union of Operating Engineers, and Local Union #324.
He is survived by four daughters, Connie Phelps of Nashville, Tenn., Cathy (Gary) Etchey of Coldwater, Clo-Ella (Jeff) Steele of Battle Creek and Christine (Dennis) Gorsline of Marshall; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by six sisters; and two brothers.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of DeForest (Shorty) Wright will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon, with Mr. David J. Farrell officiating. Burial of ashes will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Colon, with military honors conferred by the Colon American Legion Post #454.
