Pawnee — Larry Joseph Wright, 89, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 25, 1934, on his family's farm south of Pawnee in Christian County, the son of Hallie H. and Margaret "Maggie" Fines Wright. He married Wilma E. Lowder on Aug. 16, 1997, in Las Vegas. Larry was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Joyce Schiesser; and two brothers, Hallie "Jr." Wright and Roger Wright.

Larry attended Pawnee High School. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving four years as an airman third class. He was a member of the former St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pawnee and the Christian County Farm Bureau. He was also a Third Degree member of the Pawnee Knights of Columbus Council 6379.

Larry worked on his family's farm until he was 80 years old. He started his career as a truck driver for Crown Trucking Inc. in Pawnee and later drove for Elm Trucking, now Whalen Trucking, for 40 years. He logged over 1 million miles during his career. Larry was a Johnny Cash fan, and he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Wright, of Pawnee; five sons, Michael J. (wife, Melana) Wright of Copperas Cove, Texas, David J. (wife, Brandie) Wright of Pawnee, Christopher Lowder of Pawnee, Brett Mourey of Pawnee and Jamie Tuttle of Red Bluff, California; two daughters, Angela (husband, Dean) Fox of Havana and Jodie (husband, Jason) Shudrowitz of Springfield; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren, including two great-grandsons, Cole and Cayden Crowder, whom Larry and Wilma raised; one sister-in-law, Margie Wright, of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Larry's family will meet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee. A visitation also will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dan Willenborg officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Pawnee, with the Department of Defense and Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County conducting military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 785516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Larry Wright. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.