Kenneth Newell Wright's Obituary
Kenneth Newell Wright, 85, of Decatur, Illinois passed away on Sunday October 5. He was born the son of Lyman Newell and Ella D. Wright on September 2, 1923. Kenneth N. had two brothers: Edwin Henry 1925-2000, and George Joseph 1931-2008. Kenneth was born on the Wright farm, one mile south of Allendale, IL.
Kenneth graduated from the Allendale High School in 1941, one of a class of sixteen. He entered the University of Illinois the following fall, and voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army. After receiving his honorable discharge, Kenneth returned to the University of Illinois, receiving his B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry, graduating with honors, and receiving an M.S. degree in Nutrition. He was a member of Neighbor House Fraternity at the University of Illinois. Kenneth worked over thirty-eight years for the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company of Decatur, retiring in 1985. He was an accomplished scientist who introduced the use of dehulled soybean meal, and many other new products and innovations. He was the author and co-author of several patents and publications. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Decatur and served on the church Trustee Board. He was also a member of the IDA Sunday School Class. He owned, and loved managing the Wright farm which has had a continuous family ownership since 1803. He also loved boating, and taking the family on vacations across the United States.
Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth Murel, to whom he was married over 58 years. They were married on July 23, 1950 in the First Baptist Church of Decatur. He is also survived by his four sons, their wives and 5 grandchildren: Michael, his wife Judith, and their children Ashley and Taylor; Dennis, his wife Jane, and their son Patrick; Daniel, his wife Rebecca; and their children Aaron and Ashley; Fred, and his wife Diane.
There will be a visitation held on Wednesday, October 8 from 10 to 11 AM in First Baptist Church, 1320 Arbor Drive, Decatur, Illinois. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11 AM. A graveside service will be held at Noon on Thursday, October 9 in the Allendale Cemetery in Allendale, Illinois at a time to be announced.
The family of Kenneth Newell Wright is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL.
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