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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2025 | 63 John Charles Wright, June 6, 1946 – May 30, 2025. John Charles Wright, 78, of Banning, California, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 30, 2025. Born on June 6, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, John spent his early years in Steele, North Dakota, before moving to California during his high school years. He graduated from Western High School in 1964 and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1967, stationed in Germany. In 1969, John married the love of his life, Gail. Together, they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family, raising two children, Paul and Susan. While raising his young family, John earned his bachelor's degree in microbiology from California State University, Fullerton. John's professional career in food manufacturing spanned several decades. He began at Kraft Foods in Buena Park, eventually managing plants in Wisconsin and Illinois. He later returned to California, working at Wilsey Foods, Mother's Cookies, and The Cheesecake Factory, before concluding his career at Hill & Valley Bakery in Illinois. Throughout his career, John was admired for his leadership, reliability, and strong work ethic. John was a man of quiet strength and deep integrity. He was calm, structured, and grounded — never boastful, but always present. He had a dry sense of humor and loved to laugh. One of his signature lines, "Elevendieght thousand dollars!" always left people wondering if he was serious or joking. He loved fishing, golfing, and playing the lottery, often saying he had already won in life. He was deeply involved in his church, serving faithfully as Head Elder, and always made time to help others. Those who knew him best remember a man who was steady, loyal, and loving — never missing an opportunity to remind people, playfully, how sharp he was. John is survived by his beloved wife, Gail; children Paul and Susan; grandchildren Alyssa, Lindsey, and Brianna; great-grandchildren Bellamy, Adeline, Lucky, Lailuna, Vanessa, and Damien; and siblings Jim, Juanita, Victor, and Carla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jeanette; his sister, Sheila; and great-grandson, Elijah. A memorial service will be held on June 30 at Grace Lutheran Church in Banning. 2 Corinthians 5:1: For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down… we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.

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