Charles Wright

Charles Thomas “Tom” Wright 84 was carried home by the angels on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Tom was born to William “Denver” Wright and Ida Alice (Edmunds) Wright on January 25, 1940, in Sheridan, Wyoming. Tom was the second oldest of 4 children. He was a 1957 graduate of Sheridan High School and attended Sheridan College prior to entering the U. S. Army in October of 1960. Tom was a Demolitions 

Specialist in the 78th Combat Engineer Battalion and held the rank of Specialist 4th class. He received an M-14 expert accommodation. After being stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany for 3 years he returned to Sheridan and served for one year in the Army Reserve Unit. Tom was a member of the Elks until his death.

After Tom’s time in the military, he began working for West Art Neon and Frontier Neon constructing and erecting neon signs. In 1972 Tom changed career paths and became a heavy equipment operator and semi-driver. He worked for Jersey Creamery, Big Horn Coal, and Metz Beverage and finally retired in 2019 from Decker Coal after 37 years.

Tom had a great love for music and had a massive collection. He also played in the high school band. He lived and breathed anything that had wheels, but above all loved classic cars and his Harley. He kept the family

cars spotless by hand washing and waxing them all year long. He kept them showroom-worthy. After the Sheridan Speedway opened, Tom and his brother Bill were faithful spectators, never missing a race. He also had a great love for the mountains as he spent many a summer on Big Willow in the Big Horn Mountains. He helped his dad and brothers build a beautiful cabin on Big Willow and many family members and friends called it home in the summer.

Tom was a special man who loved life and helping others. He took great pride in getting to know his neighbors and was always willing to lend a helping hand no matter how big or small the task was. Come rain or shine he would be there to help and he always had time to lend an ear for conversation.

 Tom married Marie Dowdy and they had 2 children, Cathy and Kaelene. After being divorced for several years Tom married his high school sweetheart, Estella Newlon, in February 1989 and inherited 2 stepsons, Michael Nies and Joe Nies, and a very large extended family. 

Tom is survived by his wife Estella Wright, his daughters Cathy Bare (Kevin) and Kaeleen Wright, stepson Michael Nies and Joe Nies, his sister Mary Hamilton and brother Bill Wright, and all their extended families. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Denver Wright, mother Ida Wright, and brother Dick Wright.

A celebration of life for Tom will be held at 2:00 P.M. on June 29, 2024, at Kane Funeral Home with burial and reception to follow. Military Honors will be provided at Kane Funeral Home to honor Tom’s Army service to his Country. Inurnment will take place in the Elks Section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Hub on Smith, 211 Smith St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

Online condolences may be made to www.kanefuneral.com.Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.