Major Michael David Wright

Major Michael David Wright, age 51, of Casey, IL received his eternal wings at 10:47 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, in Loudon Twp., Seneca County, OH, the result of an airplane crash. He was born January 26, 1971, in Wichita Falls, TX, the son of Lt. Col. Larry Othello “Casey” Wright and Sandra Kae Scott Wright. On September 5, 1998, he married the love of his life Laura Dawn French in Casey, IL.

Survivors include his wife of twenty-three years, Laura Wright of Casey, IL; children, Britney Wright and Brian Wright of Casey, IL; mother, Sandra Faust (Jon) of Peru, IN; brother, Charles L. Wright (Dawn) of Mishawaka, IN; sister, Deborah Wright of Mishawaka, IN; stepbrothers, Melvin Gray (Amy) of Hazel Dell, IL; Stephen Gray (Stephanie) of Casey, IL; Jon W. Faust of Indianapolis, IN; Robert Faust of Mobile, AL; stepsister, Jodi Faust of Peru, IN; father-in-law, Steven French (Sandy) of Newton, IL; mother-in-law, Becky Groves of Dieterich, IL; brothers-in-law, Michael French (Sarah) of Dieterich, IL; Shawn Klier (Tracy) of Chandler, AZ; Shannon Klier (April) of Midland, TX; and Shane Klier (Rhiannon) of Edmund, OK; sister-in-law, Pamela Hartke (Caleb) of Dieterich, IL; Big Brother, John Mongosa (Lois) of Peru, IN; uncle, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, his military and church families and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Larry and Karen Wright, and his grandparents.

Michael was a 1989 graduate of Casey-Westfield High School and a 2003 graduate of Indiana State University. He proudly served his country for 31 years in both the Army and Air Force. While in the service, Michael had duties as an F-16 jet engine mechanic, Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and Communications Officer. Most of his years of service were spent with the 181st Communication Flight, 181st Intelligence Wing at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base in Terre Haute, IN. He was currently a member of the USAF Reserve 375th Communication Squadron stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. 

Michael loved spending time with his family, watching his kids play sports, traveling, and inventing. As an entrepreneur, Michael created several companies. High Flight, a corporate flying service, was the focal point of his career for the past 17 years. Michael had a love for flying and teaching. He was always thrilled to take people to the skies for the first time and to share his love of aviation with others; because it was never a “job” for him - it was his passion.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the Casey United Methodist Church, 703 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL 62420.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Casey United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Joe Richard officiating. Burial will follow at the Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL, with graveside military honors by Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, Terre Haute Air National Guard, Casey VFW, and Martinsville American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made to a college fund for his children to Laura Wright, c/o Markwell Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Casey, IL 62420.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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