Gerald "Todge" Wright

Gerald “Todge” Wright

1943-2024

Gerald Wright came into the world on September 18th, 1943, and soon after came to be mostly “Todge”, Dad, or Papa to those who knew and loved him most. 

He departed this life for a more peaceful place on June 9th, 2024, after more than 80 years of hard work, faith, humor, laughter and love…most done for and with his family. 

Todge was born a farm kid in Gallatin Mo. and had an idyllic childhood full of adventures and shenanigans with his two equally onery brothers and loving parents. 

He married the love of his life, Mae, on August 6th, 1966 and had a beautiful relationship and love story that spanned over 60 years of this life and now beyond. They were blessed with three daughters and a whole herd of grandchildren and great grandchildren who adored him and all of the farm explorations and snack times they shared with him. 

Todge graduated from Winston High School in 1961 and then worked for the railroad for over 41 years. He also served in the Army reserves for six years and ran a farm in some capacity for nearly all of his life.  He was a man who loved the labor and routine that came with farm life and his workshop was known to have an open-door policy for all friends, neighbors, and fellow farmers after a hard day’s work. Todge never strayed far from his home or family, but would probably say that he’d gone just about everywhere he wanted to and nowhere that he didn’t.  He was a man content with the small things in life and didn’t place much value on things, but always made the people he knew feel valued.  His fierce loyalty and generosity made him the first phone call for many who knew him. Not having him one phone call away will leave us all reeling, but he also made us tough and self-sufficient…and now we know why. We are beyond thankful to him in every way for the kind of life he lived and created for all of us. He would definitely want us to thank the wonderful nurses and caregivers who helped make his transition more peaceful,—a fuss we all know he definitely would not have wanted. Although he did not pass entirely on his own terms, he was surrounded by all of his girls and loved ones.  We did not want to let him go, but we know he is there in every good memory we have and those we will get to make. Our continued thanks to those still helping and holding our family close at this time. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to a favorite charity of your choice or help a good friend or neighbor in need, as Todge would have wanted, and certainly done.

A service celebrating Todge’s life will be held at 6:00pm, Thursday, June 13th, 2024, at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. The family will gather with friends from 4:30-6:00pm, prior to the service at the funeral home. Friends may call after 11 AM Thursday.

An announcement for a more Todge-style 'Celebration of Life' shindig will follow at a later time for friends and family so all can share their happy and funny memories. If you knew him, we know you have some, so please hold on to these and let every memory of Todge bring a smile or even a chuckle to you...That is unmistakably the sign of a life well-lived and a man well loved.  

 Todge was preceded in death by his parents Nina and Olin Wright; brother, Don Wright. He is survived by his wife, Mae of the home; daughters, Shari Klindt (Scott) of Cameron, MO, Angie McFee (Mike) of Winston, MO, and Amy Rhode (Jake) of Liberty, MO; grandchildren Kelsi Krenz (Corey) of Cameron, MO, Dillan Klindt of Liberty, MO, Emily Lollar (John) of Winston, MO, Josie Esbeck (Shay) of Gallatin, MO, and Beck Rhode of Liberty MO; great-grandchildren, Ellee, Avery, Bailey, Everly, Hensley, and Hannah; brother, Marvin Wright (Sharon) of Lawson, MO; sister-in-law Linda, nieces, nephews and many other extended loved ones.

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