Walter Lewis Wright

Walter Lewis Wright, SMSgt, USAF (retired), passed away September 6, 2026 at his home in O’Fallon, Ill. Born into a military family on September 14, 1949 in Birmingham, Ala., Wally enlisted in the US Air Force soon after high school graduation. He served honorably for 25 years, earning numerous decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 devices, Air Force Commendation Medal with one device, and Air Force Achievement medal with one device. Most of his career was spent as a Professional Military Educator and as instructor at Airman Leadership School, retiring in 1993 from Scott AFB, Ill. He had a second career as a corrections officer with the federal prison system at Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center. Wally was an avid Fender guitar player, and loved all kinds of music, but especially the Eagles and other 1970s rock. He attended St. Clare Catholic Church and was a member of the Fil-Am Association of Southern Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents Brady and Virginia, nee Rawls, Wright.

Survivors include his wife Valorie, nee Colewan, Wright of O’Fallon, Ill., sons Randy Wright, Mark Wright, and Keith Daley; sister Novella Gary and brother Henry Wright; and friends and comrades from across the miles.

Memorial donations are suggested to Wounded Warrior Project of ASPCA. Online guestbook and a photo tribute are available at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Family and friends may gather at 8:30 am, Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., Shiloh, Ill. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:30 am, Tuesday, at the church, with Rev. Jim Deiters presiding. Burial with full military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.