Eugene P. "Gene" Wright, a resident of Carol Stream, IL went home to be with his Lord on April 27, 2018. He was born on January 13, 1934 in Wheaton to Paul M. and Mabel (Davidson) Wright.

Gene grew up in the shadow of Wheaton College where his father, Paul, was the head of the chemistry department and geology professor. For K – 2nd grade, Gene attended Holmes School at the corner of Howard and University in Wheaton (now part of Wheaton College.) For third grade, Gene was part of the first class at the newly opened Wheaton Christian Grammar School where they used old orange crates for desks! Gene graduated from Wheaton Academy in 1953.

At an early age Gene showed an aptitude for "fixing things" and learned from his Grandpa Bert how to fix bicycles. As Gene got older, his interest moved toward motor vehicles. In 1951, he bought his first car, the first of many cars for Gene. In fact, Gene bought and sold more than 40 cars during his lifetime! Most of these cars were in need of some mechanical attention, and Gene honed his mechanical skills on his own cars, eventually leading to several jobs as a professional mechanic, culminating in a 34-year career as an aircraft mechanic with United Airlines. After returning to Wheaton after two years in the Army, he met Marilynn Drisner, a Wheaton College grad who was renting a room in his father's house. Gene and Marilynn were married in June of 1959 and bought a house from Jay Stream in the new development of Carol Stream. In 1968, Gene bought an empty lot on a new street called Arapahoe Trail in Carol Stream, hired an experienced home builder to advise him, and began building his own house. The two men, along with some help from Gene's friends, spent the next year building his house and, in 1970, Gene moved in with his young family to the home where he lived for the rest of his life. It was then that Gene and Marilynn began attending The Village Church in Carol Stream, becoming members, making lifelong friends, and serving in many different areas, including leadership in the Christian Service Brigade.

After retirement, Gene developed an interest in woodworking. He became quite a craftsman, working on many projects for himself, family and friends. Gene spent a good portion of his retirement years volunteering at his home church, now called Village Bible Church in Carol Stream. He utilized his ability to "fix things" on the church building and grounds. He also used this opportunity to minister to many men and women over the years, working with them, teaching them, mentoring them, and demonstrating selfless service to God through his work. Gene's faith was a huge part of his life. He firmly believed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and wanted others to share in the peace and joy that he experienced. Right to the very end, Gene proclaimed the name of Jesus, and breathed his last breath with confidence of his eternal home.

He is survived by his wife Marilynn, his brother Roger (Lorna) Wright of Oswego, his sons David (Beth) and John (Sharon) of Carol Stream, grandchildren Kristi Wright, Amy (Scot) Sauers, Jennifer Wright, Mark (Kendra) Wright, Joshua Wright, Jessica Wright, and great-granddaughter Naomi Wright.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mabel Wright and his sister Marjorie Wright.

A visitation will be held at Village Bible Church , 600 N. Kuhn Rd., Carol Stream, IL on Saturday, May 5, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation at church at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may directed to Village Bible Church , 600 N. Kuhn Rd., Carol Stream, IL 60188.