Rev. Karl E. Wright

The Rev. Karl E. Wright of Mascoutah, IL, born August 31, 1924, in Moundsville, WV, died on Nov. 18, 2007.


He was a United Methodist Clergyman and served congregations in Wheeling, WV, Bowling Green, IN, Andover and Westfield, NJ, and Bethalto and Mascoutah, IL. From 1961 to 1972 he was Theologian in Residence and assistant professor of philosophy and religion at MacMurray and Illinois Colleges in Jacksonville, IL. At the time of retirement, he was pastor of the Mascoutah Bethel United Methodist Church. As a member of the Southern Illinois Conference he served on the board of Global Ministries, the board of Alton Memorial Hospital, the Children’s Home, the United Methodist Village, Wesley Foundation of Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, and the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, and a trustee of McKendree College.


Mr. Wright was a veteran of WW II. He graduated from Asbury College and Asbury Seminary and completed doctoral residency at Drew University and did further study at Gottingen University, Germany.


His published works include the translation of Die Wirklichkeit des Glaubens (The Reality of Faith) by Friedrich Gogarten, The Theologian in Residence, The Church Related College, and contributions to the journal Word and Witness.


Mr. Wright was preceded in death by his daughter Michele (Wright) Shade of San Francisco, CA, his father, Chalmer H. Wright and mother, Mildred V. Maupin.


He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Shelton Wright, sons, Karl (Donna) Wright of Dallas, TX, and Mark S. (Theresa) Wright of Macon, MO, and grandson, Luke Wright of Macon, MO; son-in-law, Claude Shade of San Francisco, CA; sisters, Nathalie (Joe) Ruggles of Jackson, OH, and Mary (John) Miller of Moundsville, WV; brothers, Richard (Leanna) Wright of Morgantown, WV, Paul (Charlotte) Wright of Claysville, PA. John (Faye) Wright of Moundsville, WV.


A memorial service celebrating the life of Karl will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007 at The Trinity United Church of Christ, 47 N. Douglas Ave., Belleville, IL, conducted by Rev. P. Jerry Bennett and Dr. Richard Wright. The family will greet friends from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church on Saturday. A luncheon will be served for family and friends at the church following the ceremony.


Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Church of Christ, 47 N. Douglas Ave., Belleville, IL 62220, or Bethel United Methodist Church, 63 W. Main St., Mascoutah, IL 62258, or the charity of donor’s choice.