Roll Call Tribute

Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel obituary
40 N. Orange Ave
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Phone: (941) 955-4171
Fax: (941) 955-6928

Col. Vernon L. Wright
May 28, 2017

Col. Vernon L. Wright passed away peacefully on 28 May 2017.

He was an accomplished pilot with over 12000 hours and an American Hero. He served in Korea as a Fighter Pilot being shot down in an F-80 and in the Rescue Helicopter becoming the first successful recovery of a downed helicopter crew of the Korean War. Returning to combat in the F-86 he shot down a MIG-15 in November 1951. He was shot down again and captured, remaining a POW until the end of hostilities. Col. Wright returned to action as a Squadron Commander flying the F-4E in Vietnam. His military decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon retirement from the Air Force he moved to Sarasota FL and flew an air ambulance in Venice FL for many years. Vernon was the past president of the Sarasota/Bradenton POW Association and member of the Meadows Country Club.

As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be deeply missed. Vernon is survived by his Wife: Rosalind, Daughter: Lahneen Glenn (Gary), Sons: Vernon Wright (Lynn), David Wright (Lisa) and Michael Wright (Tiffany), Stepchildren: Dan Fortner (Judy), Tom Fortner (Elisa), Bill Fortner (Pat), Amy Fortner (Janette) Grandchildren: Caroline, James, Lauren, David, Eric, Quinton, Elizabeth, Katarina, Danny, Melissa, Billy, Maddie, Kyle, and Trevor and Great-grandchildren: Landon, Paisley, and Eloise.

A memorial service will July 7, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, Sarasota. Vernon will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.


SERVICES
Memorial Service
Friday, July 07, 2017
1:00 PM

Colonial Chapel
40 N. Orange Ave
Sarasota, Florida 34236
Get Directions on Google Maps

Vernon will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
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From findagrave.com

Vernon Lee Wright

Birth: Jun. 15, 1929
Death: May 28, 2017


Note: Interment date: 7/24/2017

Burial:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington
Arlington County
Virginia, USA
Plot: Section 57, Site 1829

Created by: Anne Cady
Record added: Jun 18, 2017
Find A Grave Memorial# 180495532