Frederick Michael Wright

Frederick Michael Wright, 78 years old, of Dayton, Ohio, formerly McArthur, Ohio, passed away on October 31, 2025, after a decade spent fighting COPD.

Fred was born in Hancock, Michigan on September 26, 1947. His family lived up north in Copper Country enjoying the great outdoors until his father, who was in the Marine Corps, was stationed at several different bases across the country. The family finally settled in Dayton, Ohio. In 1965 Fred graduated from Centerville High School, then continued his studies at Michigan Technological University until volunteering for the Vietnam War. Fred was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his heroic service and sacrifice in the U.S. Army.

After the war, Fred and his wife, Kathleen, moved to Vinton County where they raised their three children, Fred Jr., Roger, and Natalie. Being an avid fisherman and hunter, Fred spent most of his time outside enjoying the countryside with his family. He spent years coaching baseball teams, being a scout leader, and father-figure to numerous young men in the community. Fred worked as an oil and gas well tender for companies such as Beldon Blake and Petrox before becoming self-employed in this field. After retiring, Fred enjoyed spending the days on the farm with his grandchildren. While battling COPD, Fred cared for his mother, Barbara, in Dayton, where they spent their days on the lookout for deer and sharing fond memories.

Fred is survived by his children Frederick Michael Wright, Jr., (Heather Boothe), Roger Eugene Wright (Erica), Natalie Kristine Graves (Asa), mother Barbara Wright, brother Franklin Wright III, grandchildren James Wright, Mitchell Wright, Macy Wright, Kaydence Graves, Klaire Graves, Alec Boothe, Olivia Lemley, Abbigail Sparks, former spouse Kathleen Wright, honorary sons Kurt Siens and Chris Hatfield, plus many other family and friends, including his best friend and hunting buddy Lloyd Lynch.

Fred was preceded in death by his father Franklin K. Wright, and brothers John Wright, Jim Wright, and Richard Wright.

A memorial service will be held 12 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, in the Garrett-Cardaras Funeral Home, 201 W. High St., McArthur, with Roger Hauck officiating. Inurnment will be in Elk Cemetery, McArthur, with a military graveside service being conducted by United States Marine Corps. A memorial visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Fred’s name to the Robert Wyckoff American Legion Post 303, P.O. Box 1, McArthur, Ohio 45651 or the Dayton VA Medical Center Fisher House. http://donate.fisherhouse.org/Dayton

Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com