Stephen Edgar Wright

Stephen peacefully passed away on May 30th surrounded by his family and recently resided in Ellisville, Missouri (a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri).

Stephen was born in Judsonia, Arkansas in 1942 and grew up in Bald Knob, Arkansas. He attended Hendrix College in Conway, AR and went on to complete his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine-Little Rock (UAMS).

Stephen met his wife (Diana) of almost 61 years at Hendrix College, and they were married in 1965. He served in the Navy as a captain and a doctor. He completed some residencies and began working for the VA Health System in Salt Lake City, Utah. He then worked 37 years for the VA Hospital in Amarillo, TX in Internal Medicine and Oncology. Stephen worked for a total of 50 years for the VA Health System where he enjoyed caring for veterans. While in Amarillo, TX he also performed research for cancer and other diseases and was on the faculty of Texas Tech Medical School in Amarillo, TX as an MD. Stephen truly enjoyed research and continuing to learn in the medical field. He also enjoyed mentoring and teaching medical students along with caring for patients. He was researching cancer treatments up until his recent passing.

Stephen was such a kind and selfless soul. Stephen loved his family and had a zest for life and activities. Stephen and Diana had two children, and he also had several grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He enjoyed skiing and skied frequently with his children while living in Salt Lake City, Utah. He loved the mountains, the outdoors and being active. In addition to skiing, he enjoyed hiking and playing tennis. In their later years, he and Diana danced regularly. While in high school and college, he played sports including running track events. One of his granddaughters called him “Fast Grampa” because he was so quick when he used to chase her. Stephen and Diana were active members of Polk Street United Methodist Church in Amarillo, TX. Stephen and Diana moved from Amarillo, TX to Ellisville, MO in 2023 to be closer to family. They most recently lived at Gambrill Gardens where they have made some good friends.

There will be a casual memorial service for Stephen on Saturday, June 20th at 10:30am at the Chapel at Gambrill Gardens: 1 Strecker Road, Ellisville, MO 63011.  

In lieu of flowers, Stephen would have wanted donations made to cancer research and care. The family requests contributions be made to the Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1082-414-2555, 1 Brookings Drive., St. Louis, MO 63130 or online by clicking here. Please indicate the gift is in memory of Stephen Edgar Wright by writing a memo on your check.