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Wright, John David
John David Wright, 45, of Urbandale, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at his home. In agreement with John's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Iles Funeral Homes, Westover Chapel, located at 6337 Hickman Rd., Des Moines, with military honors.
John was born to DarlaSue and John Wright at Beale AFB, California, on May 7, 1967. John grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, along with his sisters, Diana, Melissa and Christina. John joined the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1985 and was medically discharged in September 1987. He then attended the University of Iowa. John spent most of his life in the logistics field. John married his wife, Stephanie (Day) Hughes,on Oct. 7, 2005, in Jamaica and he became the stepfather to two daughters, Maddisen and Payten. They lived in Urbandale for nine years.
John loved riding his bicycle and was not only active in racing in triathlons but also loved officiating. He was also an advocate of organ donation as John was a kidney pancreas recipient in 2006. John started Triathlons for Transplants, an organization to raise awareness for organ donation. He was very active in getting the message out while his team competed in several triathlons. John also gave presentations to several high school students on the importance of organ donation. This was his lifelong goal to increase the number of organ donors not only in Iowa but across the country. His message was very meaningful and supported by so many. He also competed in the U.S. Transplant games in 2008 and 2010 and was signed up to compete in the 2012 Games.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Stephanie; stepdaughters, Maddisen (18) and Payten (17); father, John Wright; sisters, Marcella Young, Diana (Jeff) Miller, Melissa (Brian) Severson, and Chris (Jim) Dixon; many nieces and nephews; as well as all his extended family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; and mother, DarlaSue Wright in September 2011.
The family respectfully requests that any memorials be made in John's name to My Angel Foundation or the Iowa Donor Network.
Online condolences may be left at www.IlesCares.com
Published May 11, 2012 in The Gazette
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