John Watters Wright

John Watters Wright, 81, died peacefully at his home in Penn Cove on August 26, 2006, after a 12 year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. John was born Nov. 4, 1924 to Verna and John Wright in Lenox, Calif.

John wanted to make a career out of the military, enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1942. He had natural ability and proved to be an expert marksman. He served with the second Marine Division as a rifle grenadier until, at the age of 19, he was shot in the back by a Japanese sniper and wounded severely on D day. He was then classified as 100 percent disabled Veteran of WWII. John’s hair turned pure white as a result of the pain he endured from those injuries. In April of 2003, Corporal John W. Wright was awarded the Purple Heart, 58 years after sustaining his injuries.

In 1944, John married his first wife, Doris. They had five children. John became a commercial artist for many years. His jobs included the Pastoral Department, Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, art teacher at the Christian School and he designed all the graphics at the First Baptist Church.

Following his divorce, John moved to Whidbey Island in 1989 and in 1990, married Louise Mueller. He has lived here ever since. John and Louise enjoyed many activities and friendships from their membership in the Whidbey Island Good Sam RV Club, the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge and his many days spent helping Louise at Fairhaven Adult Care Home. They enjoyed dancing until the Parkinson’s disease made it impossible. Through the years, John has enjoyed playing golf, woodworking and making things for people. Louise and Doris, John’s first wife, were cousins. John met Louise when she was 14 years old, when he married into the family.

John is survived by his wife, Louise at their home in Coupeville; his sons: David (wife Becky), John (wife Sheila) of Castro Valley, Calif.; daughters, Kathy (husband Rod) Cowin of Prescott, Ariz., Jeanine Sorenson (husband Terry) of Dublin, Calif.., Camille Harrison of San Ramon, Calif.; his twin sister, Peggy Zimmerman of Paso Robles, Calif..; step children: Robert Mueller (wife Aleta) of Marysville; Thomas Mueller (wife Joanne) of Kelso; Karen Mueller of Oakville, Ontario; Tina Mueller-Starks (husband Sonny) of Oak Harbor; Lauren Mueller of Coupeville and Mark de Leuze (wife Liz) of Oak Harbor; 19 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Services were held August 27 with Pastor Clint Webb, officiating. John will be laid to rest at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, Calif., near his children and their families. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.