Daryl Dee Wright

Daryl Dee Wright, 78, passed away on April 12, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. A visitation was held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas, Iowa. Funeral services took place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Prairie City United Methodist Church. Dee was laid to rest in Dallas Cemetery following a luncheon at the church.

Dee was born in Knoxville, Iowa on May 1, 1945, to Clif and Ruth (Hawk) Wright. A hard-working farm kid, he was driving a tractor by the age of ten. Dee graduated with the Melcher-Dallas class of 1963, and continued his education in Centerville, Iowa. While working and raising his family, Dee eventually completed studies at Drake University in 1991, with a degree in Sociology. He spent almost 25 years working for Firestone in Des Moines. He also worked for Methodist Hospital at the Younker Rehabilitation Center, where he met his wife, Roberta. The two married in 1967. Roberta passed away in 2006 after almost 40 years of marriage. His kind and selfless nature made him the perfect fit for the job. As much as he loved his work, Dee always felt the most joy working on the farm. Being on the farm with his family was his idea of paradise.

Anyone who knew Dee could speak of his kind and jovial personality. He never knew a stranger. Dee was a generous and thoughtful man who instilled those same virtues in his children. Whether it was visiting folks in nursing homes to offer a ride or a listening ear, to volunteering his time at Knoxville United Methodist Church, Dee taught his children the value of service to others.

Dee cherished his family more than anything else. One of his greatest joys was traveling with Nora, whom he married in 2016, to watch her perform in gospel concerts. Seeing her play always put a smile on his face. Dee adored his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His giving and caring personality will resonate with his family for many years to come.

Dee is survived by his wife, Nora; children: Scott (Heather) Wright, Bill (Abby) Wright, Roger (Melodie) Wright, Greg (Sarah) Wright, and Heidi Wright; grandchildren: Sean, Alexandra, William, Luke, Gracie, Nate, Becca, Sammie, and Christina; his great grandchildren: Amelia, Pierce, Florence, Elowyn, Delmer, and Freya; step-son, Kevin (Jodi) DeReus; step-grandchildren: Jonathan (Patsy) DeReus, Emily (Justin) Turner, Sarah (Josiah) Krispense, Benjamin DeReus, and Katelyn DeReus; and seven step-great grandchildren with one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Roberta; and twin infant siblings, Deloris and Doyle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dee’s name can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.