Orl P. Wright, Jr.

Orl Wright, Jr. Obituary A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Orl P. Wright, Jr. will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 7, 2019 at North Heights Church of Christ, Bixby. Orl passed away on Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Broken Arrow. He was 87. Born August 6, 1931 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Orl P. Wright was the second of three children gifted to Oral Payne Wright, Sr., a pharmacist, and Ora Grace (Stafford) Wright. Welcomed by his big brother Charles Edward, Orl and Charles Edward would later have a baby sister to love, Catherine Elizabeth. As children, many good memories were made, in downtown Shawnee, at the pharmacy where their father worked. It was also their father who served as scout master watching and guiding Orl as he made his way through Boy Scouts and later Eagle Scouts. The children's mother was a woman of grace and love whom Orl always adored and respected. Through the guidance of both of his parents, Orl would become a graduate of Shawnee High where he began learning the skill set of that as a draftsman. Once finished with high school, Orl began to work for a local architect company in Shawnee. His next move would be to work for the U.S. Government, at Tinker Air Force Base, before he was hired on by the Phillips Petroleum Company, in approximately 1955, where he put his talent to use for the next 35 years. When not at work, Orl could be found riding his motorcycle or out at the gun range. He was also an avid collector of Southwest artifacts and jewelry - which meant that much of his travel was focused on that region. Throughout these visits, Orl was able to capture some amazing photography and he was also able to grow his Southwest collection significantly. Married to Rose Marie Shepherd, Orl and Rose Marie would grow their family by welcoming children: Lynn Marie, Zrita Ann and Leslie Kay. Orl and the girls would have to say a premature good-bye to Rose Marie with her untimely passing in 1981. It would be a few years later that, through a mutual friend, Orl would find love in Bonnie Faye (Ryan) Yoder. The two married in January of 1984 - after Orl proposed to Bonnie on more than one occasion - and they have enjoyed the last 35 years of partnership together. A man who accepted Christ at an early age, Orl always kept his faith at the forefront. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Bartlesville and upon moving to Broken Arrow, belonged to the Garnett and later North Heights congregations. While at Garnett, Orl and Bonnie had a wonderful ministry to the 'Singles' department where they were wonderful listeners and mentors. Described as: quiet, organized, disciplined and hard-working, Orl was a great husband, father and grand-father whose character and qualities continued to be strengthened over time. This strengthening is partially due to influence of Bonnie who was able to knock off some of Orl's rough edges. Indeed, she made Orl happy and brought out the very best in him. It is with heavy hearts that Orl's family says good-bye. Orl passed from this life on Sunday, February 3, 2019. He was 87. Orl is survived by: his loving wife, Bonnie; children: Lynn Marie Hill and husband, John Richard of Dallas, TX; Zrita Ann Martinez and husband, Larry of Albuquerque, NM; Leslie Kay Phipps of Woods Cross, Utah; Janet Faye Ingle of Santa Rosa Beach, FL and Geral Edward Yoder of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: James Richard Hill and wife, Dangela; Timothy John Hill and wife, Erin; Callyn Elizabeth Kowalewski and husband, Matthew; Lilah Swan and wife, Mel; Dylan Jordan and husband, Joel; Niky Phipps; Becky Holt and husband, Jake; Traci Michelle Fieker and husband, Aaron; Brad Whittington and Tiffany Ingle. He is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. To honor Orl, the family suggests memorial donations, in his name, be gifted to the charity of your choice.Service North Heights Church of Christ 11710 S. Memorial Dr. Bixby, Oklahoma 74008 1:00 PM To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Orl P. Wright, Jr., please visit our floral store. Read More

Orl P. Wright, Jr.

August 6, 1931 - February 3, 2019