Donald Lee Wright, Jr. “Poindexter” 1946 - 2026

WRIGHT, PHIPPS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 4/15/2026 at 16:45:53

The Grapevine
15 April 2026
Whiting, Iowa

Donald Lee Wright, Jr. “Poindexter” of Bennington, Nebraska, peacefully returned to the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home in Omaha, Nebraska. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Westlawn -Hillcrest Funeral Home in Omaha, Nebraska.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 17, 2026 at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa led by: Ashley Wright. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Donald’s obituary. Burial will follow the service at the Onawa Cemetery, Onawa, Iowa with Military Honors provided by the United States Marine Corps and the David McNeill American Legion Post #129 of Onawa, Iowa. A luncheon will be held at the Onawa Dragway, Onawa, Iowa, following the burial. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Don was born on November 1, 1946 in Sioux City, Iowa, the only son of Donald Ernest Wright, Sr. and Bernice Amelia (Phipps) Wright. Don grew up on a small farm outside the community of Blencoe, Iowa with his parents and sister, Sally. Don learned to farm at a young age, driving tractors years before driving cars. As a teenager he learned to fix engines, and with friends spent many hours building hot-rods and listening to Rock-N-Roll music. Don loved to dance, and credited his mother with making him take dancing lessons; he continued to enjoy dancing throughout his life. Don graduated from West Monona High School in May 1965.

Don was a patriot and had a deep love for his country. Don joined the United States Marine Corps on May 19, 1966 and was later deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam where he served 18 months, fighting and defending his fellow Marines during the Tet Offensive. For his service, Don was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Although he was released from Active Duty on January 4, 1969, just 4 days later a fellow Marine was set afire and without hesitation Don smothered the flames with his own body. For his actions, Don was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps medal, the highest non-combat decoration for heroism given to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Don lost many friends in the Vietnam War, and their memories were never forgotten by him.

After his service to his country, Don returned to his hometown and later met his wife Shirley; they were blessed with three sons. He began working at Case Power & Equipment Company, where he served his friends and neighbors for over 20 years. Don later moved to Denver, CO where he worked at Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson and gained many new friends. In Denver he met his second wife, Karla Gossman, and after a few years they both returned to Iowa where they married, retired, and lived for several years before Karla’s death. Don later began frequently visiting his son and family in Omaha; it was here he met Stephanie Wymore. After some time they fell in love, marrying on March 17, 2018. They enjoyed spending their summers in the company of family and friends as they camped at their RV.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Bernice Wright. He is survived by his wife Stephanie, his son/daughter Travis & Evelyne and their children Bryandt & Tylyne, his son/daughter Nathan & Cassy, his son/daughter Tyson & Ashley and their children/grandchildren Trent, Brittney & DeAntre / Luna & Nora, Devin & Angie / Ilyanna. He is also survived by his sister/brother Sally & Gary, their daughter/son Tina & Clint and family, their son/daughter, Shawn & Julie and family, their daughter/son Mindy & Duane and family.

Don deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; they were his greatest joy in life. His kindness, youthful spirit, and ‘heart of gold’ gained him countless friends over his lifetime. He is greatly loved, and he will be greatly missed.

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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