Mitchell Eric Wright

Mitchell Eric Wright, 53, of Russellville, Mo., died Sunday, June 14, 2015, at his residence. He was born on December 9, 1961, in Jefferson City, the son of the late Dorriss and Wanda Faye Huddleston Wright. He was married on December 20, 2012, in Russellville to Tere Anne Smith Distler who survives at the home. A 1980 graduate of Tuscumbia High School, Mr. Wright was a self-employed welder, mechanic, electronic technician, and worked in the oil fields in North Dakota. He was an avid federally licensed Advance Class Amateur Radio operator holding the call sign KCCWU. He especially enjoyed radio contesting and contacting foreign stations mostly in Morse Code. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Russellville; Mid-MO Amateur Radio Club; and the American Radio Relay League. In his capacity as lead electronic technician, he designed and installed 911 emergency communication systems for public service agencies throughout Missouri. Other hobbies included metal fabrication, blacksmithing, metal arts, and camping. Other survivors include seven step-children, Molly and Hannah Kremenak, of central Missouri; Katherine Distler, Centertown, Mo.; Jennifer Distler, Jefferson City; Nichole Kempker, Henley, Mo.; William Distler, Jefferson City; and Christina Distler, Henley, Mo.; two step-grandchildren, Kyla Kempker and Jayce Kauffman; two brothers, Dustin (Kaylin) Wright, Omaha, Nebraska; and Terry (Kim) Wright, Eldon, Mo.; and his mother-in-law, Pat Weber, Russellville. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Russellville, with the Rev. Gregory C. Meystrik officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery. Visitation will be 8-10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to the American Radio Relay League, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111; or St. Michael Catholic Church, 13321 Railroad Avenue, Russellville, MO 65074. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.