February 11, 1930 - November 4, 2022

Donald Dean Wright was placed on this earth in the heart of Iowa on Feb. 11, 1930. The adopted infant of Earl Richard Wright and Velma Goldie (Merriam) was called “Dean” to avoid confusing his name with that of his uncle, Donald Dean Wright, Earl’s brother.

Dean spent his youth in Iowa until, at the age of 15, he journeyed with a friend to Wyoming to work on a ranch. There, Dean’s job was to carry buckets of water to German prisoners of war who were working the ranch and fields. Upon returning to Iowa, Dean continued to work with his father on the farm, and completed his education, graduating from Churdan High School in 1947.

Dean joined the U.S. Air Force the following year, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and serving at Offutt AFB, Omaha, under Gen. Curtis LeMay. While in the Air Force, Dean met Helen Jean Witter on a Greyhound bus, married her in March 1951, and later had a son, Larry. During this time, Dean conducted a successful search for his biological mother, resulting in a joyous reunion with her and with his half-sisters. The warm relationship with his “new family” continued in the succeeding decades for as long as they all lived.

Within a year of receiving his Honorable Discharge in May 1952, Dean and Helen took their young son to rejoin his widowed father who had previously moved to Downey. In 1954, Dean and Helen again became parents with the birth of their daughter, Dana. Dean lived at the same residence for over 70 years.

At age 23, Dean got a job as a claims adjuster for the Auto Club. He worked for AAA for 25 years until he retired to focus on growing his own mail order catalog business. While running his business, Dean mentored numerous children into adulthood. Over the years, he was active in DJAA, AYSO, and Ponytail Softball.

Dean’s simple pleasures included watching baseball, football and basketball games, enjoying sweet desserts, and taking an occasional trip to Las Vegas. In his younger years through middle age, he enjoyed freshwater fishing. He was fascinated by, and toyed with, the new technologies of the day, even taking computer and web site classes well into his 80’s.

Dean passed from this earth on Nov. 4 after battling several serious and lengthy illnesses, ultimately succumbing to congestive heart failure. He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen, his adoptive and biological parents, and his half-sisters. His survivors include his son and daughter-in-law (Larry and Alicia), and their son (Victor); his daughter and son-in-law (Dana and Daniel); and a step-son and his wife (Greg and Diana). He also leaves behind many mourners. Condolences can be mailed to Larry Wright and Family, PO Box 4999, Downey CA 90241.