Donald Earl Wright, age 75, a long time resident of Bella Vista, AR went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at his home after battling the effects of brain cancer for last 9 months. Don was born on January 15, 1935 in Poteau, OK to Hubert and Myrtle Wright. Don served as Director of Music for Fayetteville Public Schools from 1957 - 1982, facilitating representation of FHS and tours to Toronto, Canada; NYC World's Fair; Nixon's Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C.; other National Parades and choral tours behind the iron curtain to Poland and East Germany. He led many European choral tours for high school groups and friends later. Don was named outstanding choral director in the state of Arkansas in 1982. Don received his BS degree at Arkansas Tech University and his MS degree at the University of Arkansas; additional choral training at Concordia College, MN; and also studied at the University of Austria, in Vienna. He taught American Choral Music throughout Europe. Don was a member of the Fellowship Bible Church of NWA and served the Lord in churches for over 50 years: Clarkesville, AR; First Baptist, Fayetteville; University Baptist, Fayetteville; New Creations; Baptist Student Union Choir at the U of A; Bella Vista Baptist; and Bella Vista Christian Church. Don directed the Bella Vista Men's Chorus for 26 years. The annual concerts, school visitations, and the fellowship of the 80+ men gave him great joy. And the half has not yet been told.... Preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Myrtle Wright; Don is survived by his wife, Patricia (Campbell) Wright of the home in Bella Vista; two sons, Mark Wright and wife Kathy of Nashville, TN; Jon Wright and wife Paige of Atlanta, GA; seven grandchildren, Michelle and John Andrade, Ashley, Laura, and Will Wright of Nashville, TN, Luke and Kate Wright of Atlanta, GA; two great grandchildren, Camden and Adelicia Andrade of Nashville, TN; two sisters Vera Russell; Jean Shinn; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Memorial services will be at 10:00 am Saturday, July 10, 2010 at the Bella Vista Community Church (75 E. Lancashire, Bella Vista, AR 72714) with Reverends Ron Carter and Dale Buehring officiating. Memorials may be given to the Bella Vista Christian Church, Fellowship Bible Church of NWA; and the Circle of Life Hospice of NWA. Online tributes to the family of Don Wright may be made at www.bentoncountymemorialpark.com Under the direction of Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home of Rogers, Arkansas Memorial 10:00 AM Saturday, July 10th, 2010
Bella Vista Community Church 75 E. Lancashire, 72714