Published on June 13, 2025 9:13 am
Last Updated on June 13, 2025 9:17 am
Cecil Wright, Jr., age 88, of Effingham, IL formerly of Casey, IL passed away at 2:16 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga, IL after a brief illness.
He was born November 29, 1936, in Cumberland County, IL, the son of Cecil N. Wright, Sr. and Mamie E. (Richardson) Wright. On January 17, 1958, he married Charlotte Ann Owen in Casey, IL.
Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Charlotte Wright of Effingham, IL; children, Lonnie Wright (Cathy) of Big Horn, WY; Luanne Berk (Carleton) of Summerville, SC; Jennifer Zerrusen (Kevin) of Effingham, IL and Joshua Wright (Jennifer) of Sullivan, IL and sister, Patsy Phillips of Casey, IL.; Grandchildren and great grandchildren, Nick Wright (Alisha) Henry, Charlie and Sam; Jacob Wright (Lindsey) Harper and Presley; Zach Wright (Justine) James and Lucy; Charlotte Rosetter (Joey) Adeline; Chance Wright; Alex Berk (Lindsey) Oliver and Ella; Daniel Berk (Courtney) Everett and Maverick; Michael Berk; Lindsey Goeckner (Russ) Easton, Marley and Riggs; Krista Waldhoff (Hank) Cooper and Finn; Trevor Zerrusen (Brach) Colter; Tristan Wright and Lyla Wright; nephews and nieces, his Church family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Herschel and Alta Owen, and brothers-in-law, Joe Phillips and Kent Owen.
Cecil was a 1954 graduate of Casey High School and also attended Lake Land College. He served his country in the US Army from 1961 – 1964. Cecil was employed as a Maintenance Engineer for Arkwright in Charleston, IL for 30 years and after retiring became a truck driver for several local companies for another 15 years, retiring for the second time at the age of 80. He was a member of The Casey Cumberland Presbyterian Church, The Casey Masonic Lodge and more recently a member of the Effingham First Christian Church where he enjoyed volunteering. He also enjoyed fishing, woodworking and projects with stained glass. Cecil and Charlotte cherished the time they could spend with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL with Rev. Martin Reyes officiating and Mr. Don Millman offering the eulogy. Burial will follow in Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL with military rites by Casey VFW and Martinsville American Legion. Visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday evening, June 16, 2025, at Markwell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Autism Speaks, Donations Processing Center, PO Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037 or http://www.autismspeaks.com or the charity of your choice.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, please visit http://www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home, Casey, IL is handling the arrangements.