Larry Lee Wright, age 79, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia, Missouri. Larry leaves behind a rich legacy of courage, entrepreneurship, and lifelong passion for the outdoors. Born on March 3, 1947, in Arion Township, Cloud County, Kansas, Larry was the beloved son of Joseph ‘Ted’ and Madeline (Sicard) Wright, both of whom preceded him in death.

Raised in Concordia, KS, Larry attended Pleasant Hill Country School before graduating from Concordia Junior/Senior High School in 1965. A talented athlete, Larry pitched four no-hitters during his youth baseball career. His passion for music led him to co-found the popular seven-piece show band Hiram and the Walkers in 1965, where he played bass guitar across Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Larry had an exceptional work ethic. He secured his first job at the age of 12, working at Boogaart's grocery store in Concordia, but he could only work four hours a week due to his age.

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, Corporal Wright served honorably during the Vietnam War with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry "Black Lions," 1st Infantry Division ("Big Red One"). He bravely volunteered as both Point Man and Tunnel Rat. He was severely wounded in action by an RPG round on February 4, 1970, he suffered broken ear drums, a concussion and 10 shrapnel wounds resulting in multiple surgeries and nearly a year in the hospital. Larry’s heroism earned him the following military decorations for his sacrifice and service in combat: Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars with “V” device for Heroism Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. As well as the Black Lions Award, decorated by the Black Lions 1st Infantry Division for walking Point Man and Tunnel Rat longer than anyone in the division (7-½ months). In August 2025, he flew with the Honor Flight of the Ozarks to Washington, D.C., visiting Arlington Cemetery, the changing of the guard, the Vietnam Memorial along with numerous other D.C. sites. In December of 2025 during an emotional ceremony, he was honored with a Quilt of Valor.

Following his military service and years with the U.S. Postal Service, Larry turned his passion for the outdoors into a flourishing career and lifelong passion. In 1988 he started the Gator lure business which serviced numerous businesses and eventually spread into Walmart stores across Kansas. In 1990 he founded Larry Wright’s 20th Century Outdoors with Ross Olsen. They held seminars, hosted boat dealers, sold hunting and fishing items as well as providing guide services for 5 years until selling the business. He started fishing in tournaments in 1984, securing National sponsors like Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps until 2021. He won the American Bass Anglers in 2015 and 2021, Angler of the Year 4 times, division Championship 6 times and was a 27-time national qualifier. While Larry had a lifelong passion for fishing, his favorite moments on the water were shared with his best friend and favorite fishing partner, Doug Wallace.

Larry moved to Warsaw, Missouri in 1997. On April 29, 1998, he met his future wife Donna Ann Marie Kirk. They were married one year later, on April 29, 1999, in Warsaw, Missouri. Together, they shared a wonderful life in Warsaw and Lincoln, Missouri, filled with love, family, tournament travels, and cherished memories. Larry was “Papa” to his beloved great grandson Oak Ryan Adair. Anywhere Larry went, Oak was not far behind him. In the weeks prior to his passing Larry took Oak fishing on the family ranch with Oak catching a bass just about as tall as him. Papa gifted Oak with his first bow and baseball glove. It’s safe to say Larry has passed along his passion for the outdoors to future generations.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Wright; two daughters, Terri Burt and her husband, Scott, of Sedalia, MO, and Shannon Breese of Marshall, MO; his grandson Jackson, great-grandson Oak; granddaughter Avery and a large community of extended family, fellow veterans, and dear friends.

Funeral services for Larry will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 11:00 A.M., at Warsaw Funeral and Cremation in Warsaw, Missouri. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Grave side services and interment will be at 2:00 P.M. on Monday at The Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri.