Rodney Lee Wright, age 51, passed peacefully at home in Montgomery City, Friday March 18th, 2016. He was born January 7th, 1965 to Leroy Wright and The late Mildred (Zweifel) Wright in Mexico, MO. He grew up in New Florence and Hermann MO. He attended New Florence Elementary School, Hermann School, and graduated Montgomery County High School Class of 1983. While attending school and participating in choir and drama class, he met his wife Freda (Boone) Wright. He always used to tell the story of the first time he seen her – "She walked across the choir stage and it was love at first site. I knew I had to get to know her and she was going to be my wife." Rodney and Freda were married June 22nd, 1984 at First Baptist Church in Montgomery City, where he was a member and Baptized in 1983. Rodney attended Linn Technical College and graduated with a degree in AMP license in 1984.

Rodney was a devoted Husband, proud Father, loving Son & Brother, and dedicated Friend. He loved his family very much and enjoyed being home, surrounded by them and close friends.

His first child, Nikole "Nikki" Lynn Wright, was born Christmas Day, December 25th, 1984. He always said, "She was his greatest Christmas present ever." His second child, Joshua "Josh" Leroy Wright, was born March 3rd, 1986. He considered his only son, "to be one of his greatest accomplishments and proud for him to carry on his legacy." His third child was gifted years later, Johannah "Josie" Lorene Wright, June 19th, 1996. He considered her his "precious baby girl and proud of the enterprising young woman she was becoming."

Rodney was a man who touched people's lives, but did not realize just how many lives he effected. Over the years, he was actively involved with the community in many ways. His family owned Loutre Bar and Grill in Hermann MO, he was owner of DJ Service Wright Rhythm for over 20 years, Employed as property manager with Jeffery E. Smith and Co and decided to venture on and co-owned several rental properties. In 1994, he worked for American Family Insurance Arlie D. Boone Agency as a Licensed Customer Service Rep until 2000. He and his wife purchased New Montgomery Florist for which he also owned his own Plumbing Business next door. He started working for the State of MO Corrections as a CO1 and then Transferred to Maintenance department. He was given the opportunity to work locally, and was currently employed as a Union Maintenance Supervisor at Laborers AGC Training Center in High Hill, MO.

Rodney was a member of the Construction and General Laborers Union Local 660. He took great pride being a Union Worker and was a strong Democrat. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #609 of Warrenton MO, along with his father, son, son in law, and beloved Uncle Billy Martinez.

Rodney had nicknames from "Rod Man", "Hot Rod", "Rooster", "Peanut" and "Yukon Cornelius." Yukon Cornelius followed from his LOVE for Christmas! He loved the spirit and everything about the glow and happiness it brings. He collected old Santa Clauses and Trains. He loved the movie "The Christmas Carol" – Ebenezer Scrooge, "White Christmas", and "It's a Wonderful Life". He also enjoyed Christmas music and listened to it all year around. He liked the peacefulness of Snow but hated shoveling it. And he was the Facebook Countdown of Christmas. On Christmas evening he would say "I am so sad Christmas is over, Only 365 more days left until Christmas."

He enjoyed all genres of music, his favorites being country and old rock n roll. Music truly spoke to his soul and he bonded through music with his children. From taking them to many concerts, sharing special moments and songs, and always listening to it at family gatherings, home, or in the car. He also was proud to have each kid share the passion of music along with him and having that inherited piece in them.

He also loved movies and his surround system! You never watched a movie with someone until you watched a movie with my father. He always took great pride in his surround system and strived for the best sound and quality – as if you were watching it in the movie theater, and always included popcorn.

He was passionate about hunting, fishing, and trapping. He shared this passion with his son and father. They trapped snapping turtles, harvested trophy bucks, receiving state awards, and were proud of the time Josh and he filmed for The Outdoor Channel. Growing up on the Loutre River, he learned to fish, setting lines, going frogging, and enjoying everything the river had to offer. Later years being able to own his own boat allowed him to snag for paddlefish. But his greatest enjoyment of all was having his wife and son prepare meals from the bounty that he harvested.

Things he LOVED – Family, Friends, Laughter, Music, Concerts, Joking/Pranks, Milk, Beer, His Wife and Sons Cooking, his Leaf Blower, Yard Work, His Truck, Playing Pool, Movies, Cardinals Baseball, MU College Basketball, Fantasy League Football, and Nature.

Rodney was preceded in death by his mother- Mildred J. Wright, his brother in law – Alan T. Boone, his grandparents – Melvin M. and Lorene G. (Daller) Wright, William and Allie (Jones) Zweifel, his Uncle, Jacob Zweifel and is Beloved Cousin Timothy "Timmy" Penn.

He is survived by his father Leroy Melvin Wright; his wife of 32 years Freda Lynn (Boone) Wright; his sister Rhonda Dee (Wright) Kobusch; children, Nikole Lynn (Wright) Bohnert and Husband Scott, Joshua Leroy Wright and girlfriend Hannah Snow, Johannah Lorene Wright and boyfriend Cory Burch; loyal family pets, Maddie, Mason, Max, Lucy; Grandchildren – Austin and Alexa Bohnert of Florissant, MO; Beloved Aunt and Uncle Janice (Zweifel) and Billy Martinez; In Laws, Arlie D. and Joan M. (Hobbs) Boone, sister in law – Cynthia K. (Boone)and Greg Rector; brother in law, Clinton W. Boone and Many Other Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews.

Rodney will be greatly missed by his family and friends – for his mischievous smile, contagious laugh, and jokester manner.
A private family memorial service will be held.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Toys for Tots or to the Montgomery County Democrats, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361. Condolences may be made to www.schlankerfuneralhome.com

In Memory of Rodney Wright
I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much.
Good friends, good times,
a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me…
God wanted me now,
He set me free.